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Council adopts pay-as-you-throw code updates to clarify container rules and curb storage
Summary
The city adopted ordinance 2025-01 to update pay‑as‑you‑throw language, require container labeling and certification options for wildlife-resistant containers, extend long‑term hold allowances, and add curb-return requirements aimed at reducing alleyway clutter and improving winter maintenance.
Glenwood Springs City Council adopted code updates to the pay‑as‑you‑throw ordinance that staff said are largely housekeeping changes intended to improve clarity for residents and enforcement.
Public Works Director Matt Langhors walked council through roughly six changes: clarifying pricing language after prior rate shifts, documenting in the ordinance a one‑year commitment requirement for wildlife containers (an item currently only in the contract), requiring container labeling by the contractor, recognizing specific certification options for wildlife-resistant containers, extending the permitted long‑term hold period from four to five months to accommodate seasonal absences, and adding a code provision requiring residents to remove carts from the public right‑of‑way by night to reduce alleyway obstructions.
Langhors said the curb‑return provision is intended to ease snow‑plow operations and limit alleyway clutter. "The main intent of this conversation is to start getting people to remove them from our right of way…" he said, adding staff’s intent is to enforce the rule gradually through notices rather than heavy penalties.
Councilors asked about enforcement discretion (the use of 'may' versus 'shall' for wildlife-resistant container requirements) and how the clause would be applied; staff said code enforcement would administer warnings and apply requirements case by case. Councilor Depp moved to approve the ordinance based on the staff report; the council approved the ordinance unanimously.
The ordinance requires contractor and container standards be reflected in the city code, giving future contractors clear obligations on labeling and container certification. Staff indicated they will work with code enforcement to implement the new provisions and to communicate the changes to residents.
