Spencer County adopts comprehensive solid-waste ordinance tightening collection, permitting and penalties

Spencer County Fiscal Court on Nov. 6 adopted Solid Waste Management Ordinance No. 4, a countywide ordinance that sets new standards for storage, collection, transportation, permitting and enforcement of municipal solid waste.

The ordinance, given a second reading and approved by the court, defines acceptable container types and storage practices, requires permits for commercial haulers, authorizes a county Solid Waste Coordinator to inspect facilities and limits open dumping and open burning. It also establishes permit and reporting requirements for collectors and allows the fiscal court to franchise collection areas. Violations of the ordinance carry fines the ordinance describes as not less than $100 and not more than $500 for each day of continued violation.

The ordinance text included detailed definitions (for example: ‘‘bulky waste,’’ ‘‘recovered material,’’ ‘‘convenience centers’’), criteria and responsibilities for collection, requirements for transfer and transportation vehicles, and a permitting process for collectors and processors. It requires compliance with Kentucky cabinet permitting for disposal sites, restricts certain materials from convenience centers, and permits the fiscal court to require bonds for cleanup where appropriate.

County leaders said the ordinance brings the county into alignment with state regulatory expectations and gives the county a clearer enforcement mechanism. The motion for second reading and adoption passed by roll-call voice vote with all members present voting "aye" except Magistrate Stump, who was recorded absent.

What happens next: the ordinance becomes effective immediately upon adoption per its text; the fiscal court packet contains the full ordinance language and the court’s office will manage implementation and permitting questions.

Provenance: The court conducted the second reading and adoption of the ordinance during the Old Business section of the Nov. 6 meeting; the ordinance text appears in the meeting packet and was discussed in full during the meeting.