Junk, Garbage, and Rubbish

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Junk?

Junk is defined as “any worn out, cast off, or discarded article or material which is ready for destruction or has been collected or stored for salvage or conversion to some use.”

What is Garbage

Garbage is defined as including, but not limited to the following:

Waste resulting from the handling of edible foodstuffs or resulting from decay, and solid or semisolid putrescible wastes
And all other mixed nonrecyclable wastes which are generated in the day-to-day operation of any business, residential, governmental, public or private activity, and may include tin cans, bottles and paper, or plastic food or beverage containers.”

What is Rubbish?

Rubbish includes, but is not limited to waste such as:

Bedding
Cardboard
Construction Waste, and similar waste materials
Crockery
Grass Clippings
Paper
Tree or Shrub Trimmings
Wood

Can Junk, Garbage, and Rubbish Be Stored?

No. It is unlawful for any person to store or keep, or permit others to store or keep, junk, garbage, and/or rubbish.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Scrap metals or other scrap materials on any lot or parcel, or any portion thereof, in any zone other than a heavy industrial zone.

All such items should be stored inside a fully enclosed structure.

Can Junk, Garbage, and Rubbish be Stored Behind Fences?

No. It is a violation of the zoning code to have junk, garbage, and rubbish on the property whether screened from view or not. In addition, the storage of junk, garbage and rubbish within view of the public right-of-way or neighboring properties constitutes a public nuisance and can result in the case being taken to a Nuisance Hearing.
Examples of Junk, Garbage, and Rubbish:

Anything on the exterior not being used for its intended or designed purpose
Automotive Parts, Equipment, tires, etc.
Appliances , electronics, etc.
Furniture – indoor furniture stored outdoor, damaged outdoor furniture, worn furniture
Containers (plastic tubs, crates, boxes, etc.)
Packing Materials (cardboard, Styrofoam, etc.)
Scrap Metal (sheet metal, piping, dismantled bikes, broken tools, etc.)
Building Materials (sheetrock, insulation, toilets, sinks, tile, carpet, etc.)
Wood (scrap wood, weathered lumber, pallets, landscape waste and debris, etc.)

Code Enforcement