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Council updates solid‑waste rules: weekly recycling, end to loose‑leaf plastic bags, smaller yard‑waste containers
Summary
Town ordinances were amended to align with contractor standards: recycling collection will be weekly (not every other week), loose‑leaf plastic bags will be phased out, and homeowner yard‑waste containers must be no larger than 32 gallons unless a rollout container is purchased through the hauler.
The Clayton Town Council adopted code amendments on Aug. 19 updating local solid‑waste procedures to match the town’s contracted hauler practices.
What changed: The council adopted two ordinance amendments to chapter 96 of the Town Code to (1) reflect that recycling collection is collected weekly in current practice rather than every other week, and (2) phase out standard loose‑leaf plastic bags and limit homeowner‑provided yard‑waste containers to a maximum of 32 gallons. The town’s hauler, All Star Waste Services, will continue to accept roll‑out yard‑waste containers (the same style as the town’s wheeled garbage and recycling carts) available for purchase from the hauler.
Staff and contractor rationale: Town code previously allowed 50‑gallon containers and specified clear plastic bags as an option for loose leaf collection. Staff and All Star told council that the landfill used by the hauler will not accept the loose‑leaf plastic bags, and that weekly recycling collection is the actual service frequency. Staff said All Star will continue to collect existing plastic bags through the start of loose‑leaf season but intends to phase them out by January; the town will coordinate public communications with its communications office to inform residents of the change.
What residents should know: Residents who use reusable plastic totes or who purchase the hauler’s rollout cart may continue to place yard waste for collection; limbs and brush continue to be accepted if cut and stacked to the town’s published size limits. Council adopted Ordinances 2025‑08‑09 and 2025‑08‑10 to amend chapter 96.
Next steps: Town staff said they will work with the contractor and the communications department to distribute guidance to utility customers and to update the town’s service information ahead of the loose‑leaf season.
