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Meridian staff propose 90-day limit, minimal standards for temporary waste containers after state law change
Summary
City attorney staff told council that a state change to Idaho Code §53‑44 requires Meridian to add an exception for temporary project containers to Title 4, Chapter 1; staff recommended a 90‑day cap, monthly pickup minimums and basic labeling and handling standards and said an ordinance will be drafted for council review.
Meridian Deputy City Attorney Emily Kane told the City Council on July 15 that state lawmakers added language to Idaho Code §53‑44 this spring allowing any person to contract with a solid‑waste collector of their choosing for temporary, project‑specific containers — requiring Meridian to update Title 4, Chapter 1 of city code to align with the change.
Kane said the city’s proposal would define "temporary project" as “an activity that is 90 days or less in duration that generates solid waste.” She told council the proposal would preserve existing exceptions for construction and landscaping projects while adding a new, limited exception for temporary project containers that mirrors the state statute.
The proposed local rules would require that temporary containers be used no longer than 90 days, be limited to one temporary project container per property per calendar year, be labeled with the provider’s name and phone number, be collected at least once a month (or more frequently if warranted), and not be wheeled carts or contain prohibited waste. Kane said the city’s franchise agreement with Republic Services will not need to be changed because it requires the franchisee to operate “in accordance with city code.”
Council members asked how the rules would be enforced and how the city would notify account holders currently on temporary accounts. Kane said enforcement would remain largely complaint driven and that code enforcement could also act on repeated, long‑running containers observed in the field; she outlined possible evidence (dated photos, affidavits, hauler records) that code officers could use to establish how long a container had been at a site. Kane also said the city plans to work with utility billing and Republic Services on communications and to “sunset” about 350 temporary accounts now administered by the city; she said 19 of those accounts are already older than 90 days.
Council members pressed staff on the customer experience and the legal/accounting rationale for shifting administration of these temporary accounts to the private market. Finance‑area staff member Carrie explained the city’s concern about optional services and billing: required services tied to a property (water, sewer, trash) can be enforced through the utility billing system, while optional services create accounting and debt‑collection complications. Kane added the goal is to administer services covered by the franchise agreement and leave optional, market‑based temporary project services to haulers when state law allows it.
Kane said the proposed changes were discussed with Meridian Police Department code enforcement, utility billing and Republic Services, and were presented to the Solid Waste Advisory Commission in June. She noted Boise and other Treasure Valley jurisdictions are using a 90‑day limit as well; Boise additionally proposes regulating container size, which Meridian is not proposing.
Next steps: Kane said she would prepare an ordinance for council adoption that implements the definition, the 90‑day limit and the minimal standards discussed. Council did not take an immediate vote; several members asked for additional clarification on enforcement practices and communications to existing account holders before the ordinance is drafted for a public hearing.
Emily Kane and code enforcement, finance and Republic Services staff will return with a draft ordinance and communications plan for council review and public hearing scheduling.
