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Ordinance committee previews Chapter 94 changes tied to new waste collection contract
Summary
City staff told Norwalk’s Ordinance Committee Feb. 18 that changes to Chapter 94 are needed to align the municipal code with a new collection contract starting July 1, including ending the Fourth Taxing District opt-out and requiring standardized, non‑overflowing city-issued totes.
City staff and the Ordinance Committee discussed proposed edits to Chapter 94 (solid waste collection, disposal, transfer station and yard waste) on Feb. 18, saying changes are needed to align the city code with a new contract and collection practices set to begin July 1.
Vanessa (staff) told the committee the city’s recently awarded contract to Win Waste will start July 1 and requires several ordinance clarifications so the city and vendor are in compliance. The committee was presented with an overview rather than final ordinance text; staff said they expect to deliver draft language for formal review at the March meeting.
Major changes described by staff included removing the historical opt-out option for residents located in Norwalk’s Fourth Taxing District — under the proposed change, residents inside that taxing district would be charged for curbside solid-waste collection rather than being allowed to opt out. Staff said the city has observed properties that had opted out in the past but have since sold and are now receiving service inconsistently; drivers find it difficult to determine opt-in status in the field.
Staff also proposed clarifying the ordinance definition of "residential" (to match planning and zoning language) as properties of up to four dwelling units; buildings with more than four units would be considered commercial for collection purposes. The city intends to issue uniform, city-standardized totes for curbside collection, require that totes not be overfilled or overflowing, and move to automated pickup equipment — steps staff said will allow more efficient routes and reduce contract costs. Vanessa told the committee the change to totes enabled the vendor to deploy automated trucks and three new vehicles for routes.
Staff noted additional clarifications under consideration: clearer recycling definitions and contamination rules, registration and licensing language for commercial collection, and a clause stating the current service area is the Fourth Taxing District with possible expansion to citywide collection as early as 2027 if the Council approves.
Committee members asked about enforcement, operational details and when draft ordinance text would be available. Brian (staff) said consultants had submitted recommendations and he would circulate that material to committee members on request. No formal vote was taken; staff said they will return with draft language in March so the committee can consider specific ordinance edits and any requested enforcement language.
Key facts (from staff comments): contract awarded to "Win Waste" with a July 1 start; Fourth Taxing District residents will no longer be able to opt out of curbside collection under the proposed ordinance; residential defined as up to four units; standardized city totes required, no overflow allowed; automated pickup and three additional trucks expected; draft ordinance language to be presented in March.
