City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A “RED TAG” BULK
ITEM DISPOSAL PROGRAM ADMINISTERED
BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Whereas, in correspondence dated November 3, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to establish and implement a “Red Tag Bulk Item Disposal Program” as an official municipal policy governing the collection and disposal of oversized household waste items; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) is responsible for providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective sanitation and solid waste collection services for the residents of the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, oversized household items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances present unique operational challenges because they cannot be compacted in standard refuse trucks and require additional labor, equipment, and disposal costs; and
Whereas, under current collection practices, the costs associated with bulky waste disposal are absorbed within the City’s general tax base, resulting in an inequitable system where all residents subsidize the expenses incurred by a relatively small number of users; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has proposed the creation of a “Red Tag Bulk Item Disposal Program” to implement a fair, user-pays system that aligns with successful models adopted by other municipalities across New York State and the region; and
Whereas, the proposed program will require residents to purchase and affix a red disposal tag to oversized household items prior to curbside collection, thereby ensuring cost recovery, promoting responsible disposal, and reducing illegal dumping; and
Whereas, the program will utilize a simple, tiered pricing structure reflecting the true handling cost of bulky items, as follows:
• $12 Tag - for general household bulky items such as chairs, tables, rolled carpets, bicycles, sofas, dressers, and mattresses; and
• $25 Tag - for appliances and specialty items such as air conditioning units, snow blowers, and grills (excluding propane tanks); and
Whereas, these tags will be available for purchase at the Department of Public Works Office, and the City may introduce online purchasing options to enhance accessibility and convenience; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the establishment of this program will improve sanitation efficiency, reduce operating costs, and create a more equitable waste management system for residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:
Section 1. Establishment of Program. The Department of Public Works is hereby authorized and directed to establish and implement a “Red Tag Bulk Item Disposal Program” as an official municipal policy governing the collection and disposal of oversized household waste items.
Section 2. Program Fees and Structure. The fee schedule for the Red Tag Program shall be as follows:
• $12 per tag for general bulky items such as chairs, tables, rolled carpets, bicycles, sofas, dressers, and mattresses; and
• $25 per tag for appliances and specialty items such as air conditioning units, snow blowers, and grills (excluding propane tanks).
The Commissioner of Public Works is authorized to adjust the tag fee schedule, subject to Council approval, based on future cost analyses or program performance.
Section 3. Sale and Distribution of Tags. Tags shall be made available for purchase at the Department of Public Works Office during normal business hours. The Department is further authorized to establish online purchasing options or additional points of sale to improve public accessibility.
Section 4. Public Outreach and Implementation. The Department of Public Works, in coordination with the City Clerk, shall conduct public outreach to inform residents of program requirements, fees, and procedures prior to implementation. Notice shall be posted on the City’s official website, social media, and in local newspapers of record.
Section 5. Reporting Requirement. Within one (1) year of program implementation, the Department of Public Works shall submit a written report to the City Council summarizing participation data, revenue generation, cost savings, and operational outcomes, along with any recommendations for program modifications.
Section 6. Fiscal Impact. All revenues generated from tag sales shall be deposited into a dedicated sanitation or solid waste operations account to offset the costs associated with bulky waste collection and disposal.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.