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Council tables yard-waste ordinance after extended debate over contractor-generated loads and enforcement
Summary
After an extended discussion, council tabled proposed amendments to the yard-waste collection ordinance that would limit pickup to 4 cubic yards per residence and phase out routine pickup of contractor-generated commercial debris; staff will rework ordinance language and return to council.
A lengthy November 17 debate over proposed changes to Goldsboro—s yard-waste/solid-waste ordinance ended with council tabling the item for reworking of language and clearer enforcement rules.
Public Works Director Jamie explained staff—s intent to reduce debris volume and limit pickup of commercial contractor-generated loads, proposing a per-residence collection limit (roughly 4 cubic yards) and a phased stop to routine collection from commercial properties and apartment/townhome common areas. He said the change is aimed at restoring a reliable collection schedule: "By December 1, stop picking up commercial properties... but we are gonna be picking up everything at the residential locations, even stuff created by contractors as long as the piles are manageable."
Councilmembers raised concerns about ambiguity and enforcement—particularly for townhomes and HOA-managed areas where landscaping is often contracted—and cautioned against adopting language that would conflict with current practice or be unenforceable. The mayor said he would not want staff put in a position where the ordinance says one thing but practice is another and asked staff to return with clarified language. Several councilmembers proposed striking a sentence in Section 5.06 that appeared to categorically bar collection of contractor-generated yard waste; others worried removing that sentence would create a "free-for-all" and urged a phased approach.
After nearly an hour of debate and multiple proposed amendments, council voted to table the ordinance and directed staff to refine the language so it clearly states council—s intent (retain pickup for residential piles that meet size limits while excluding routine commercial loads), with a plan for public outreach when changes are implemented.
Next steps: Staff will revise ordinance language to remove contradictions, clarify enforcement and propose a phased rollout (soft rollout in December was discussed); council expects the item to return on the next meeting—s consent agenda for adoption.
