City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 140,
ARTICLE I, SECTION 140-4 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON ENTITLED “GARBAGE
AND RUBBISH COLLECTION” TO AUTHORIZE A
BULK WASTE ITEM DISPOSAL SERVICE SECTION
Whereas, in correspondence dated November 3, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to amend Chapter 140, Article I, Section 140-4 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon, entitled “Garbage and Rubbish Collection - Additional Services,” to add a new subsection (F) as set forth herein; and
Whereas, on recommendation of the Department of Public Works (“DPW”), the City of Mount Vernon seeks to modernize and clarify the City’s sanitation code to reflect current waste management practices; and
Whereas, the accumulation and improper disposal of oversized household and commercial items such as furniture, appliances, and other bulky waste creates health, safety, and environmental hazards; and
Whereas, the City recognizes the need for an organized, sustainable, and enforceable system for the collection and disposal of bulky or oversized items; and
Whereas, the proposed amendment establishes a Red Tag Bulk Item Disposal Service, which requires the purchase of disposal tags for oversized items to ensure appropriate handling and cost recovery; and
Whereas, the establishment of such a program provides the Department of Public Works with a clear legal framework for implementation, enforcement, and fee collection consistent with City policy and budgetary procedures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, in regular session assembled, as follows:
Section 1. Amendment to Section 140-4 - Garbage and Rubbish Collection. Section 140-4 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby amended to add a new subsection entitled “Bulk Waste Item Disposal Service”, to read as follows:
§140-4(F) Bulk Waste Item Disposal Service.
A. Definition.
For purposes of this section, “Bulk Waste” shall mean any item of rubbish, refuse, or discarded material that exceeds the capacity of a standard thirty-five (35) gallon receptacle or bundle, or that, by reason of its weight, size, or shape, cannot be safely and conveniently handled by one (1) sanitation worker. Bulk Waste shall include, but shall not be limited to:
1. Items weighing more than thirty (30) pounds;
2. Items exceeding four (4) feet in length, width, or height;
3. Items of irregular or non-containerizable dimension, including but not limited to sofas, mattresses, box springs, appliances (including Freon-containing units), rolled carpeting, large furniture, bicycles, and similar household goods.
B. Exclusions.
Bulk Waste shall not include trade waste, commercial meat waste, or construction and demolition debris, all of which shall be disposed of in accordance with separate regulations and fee schedules adopted by the City.
§ 140-4(G). Bulk Waste Collection Fee; Red Tag Requirement.
A. Tag Requirement.
No Bulk Waste shall be placed for municipal collection unless each item is affixed with a valid Bulk Waste Disposal Tag (“Red Tag”) issued by the City, or the resident has completed the required Bulk Waste Pick-Up Form.
B. Tag Purchase.
Bulk Waste Disposal Tags shall be available for purchase at City Hall or through the City’s authorized online portal.
C. Fees.
The fee for Bulk Waste Disposal Tags shall be as follows:
1. Standard Bulk Waste Item: $12.00 per two (2) items;
2. Freon-Containing Appliance: $25.00 per item;
3. Items designated by the Department of Public Works as requiring special handling: $25.00 per item.
D. Adjustment of Fees.
The fees established herein may be amended by resolution of the City Council to reflect changes in disposal, processing, or administrative costs.
§ 140-4(H). Enforcement.
A. Prohibited Acts.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place Bulk Waste at curbside for municipal collection without:
1. Affixing a valid Bulk Waste Disposal Tag to each Bulk Waste item; or
2. Completing and submitting the required Bulk Waste Pick-Up Form.
B. Non-Collection.
Bulk Waste items placed without a valid tag or a copy of the pick-up form shall not be collected by the Department of Public Works.
C. Violations; Penalties.
Violation of this section shall be subject to penalties, summonses, or removal charges as provided elsewhere in this Code.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.
New Matter Underlined
Deleted Matter in Brackets [ ]