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Boonton increases trash enforcement, introduces amendment to require containers
Summary
Boonton officials reported stepped-up code enforcement after a spike in complaints and introduced Ordinance 11-25 to amend solid-waste rules; officials said they may require garbage be placed in containers rather than loose bags.
Business Administrator Neil Henry told the Boonton Town Council that the administration has stepped up enforcement on trash complaints this month, with "to date, for the month of June, there has been 15 summones issued and 11 warning tags issued." Henry said the Department of Public Works temporarily removed a double public garbage receptacle on Main Street after staff discovered it was being used by a private individual for exclusive disposal and that DPW and police have been asked to photograph infractions and forward addresses to code enforcement for follow-up.
At the meeting, a council member raised questions about whether building owners and landlords had been contacted to ensure tenants have adequate trash storage; Henry replied that code enforcement has been in touch with adjacent business owners and is working to identify the individual misusing the receptacle. Council discussion noted the town has tools including rental inspections to examine whether landlords provide adequate storage.
Council also introduced Ordinance 11-25, a title-only amendment to Part 2, Chapter 130, Section 130-22 (Solid Waste) of the town code. The title was read and the motion to introduce was carried by roll call. During discussion, Henry said the administration is "looking at amending the ordinance that would require homeowners to put their garbage in a container versus leaving an app in a plastic bag." No final ordinance language was presented at introduction; the measure was introduced in title only and will return for further readings and formal adoption according to the town’s ordinance process.
Why it matters: The combined enforcement actions and proposed code change signal the town is moving toward stricter management of residential and Main Street trash to address public-health and nuisance complaints. Next steps include drafting ordinance language, additional code-enforcement follow-up, and possible linkage to ongoing solid-waste collection updates already under council review.
