Newark ordinance would cap bulk pickup at 10 items, impose fines or private-hauler requirement

Council members and sanitation officials debated amendments on May 5 to Newark’s solid‑waste code that would limit bulk pickup to 10 items per address and charge property owners for additional items or require private‑hauler removal.

The director explained the practical rule: “This is also letting them know that in the event that we pick it up, they’re going to be charged too or we’re going to first give them an opportunity to get a private hauler to remove it,” and said current practice is to aim to pick up bulk within 24 hours of the scheduled bulk day. Council members asked for clarity on who bears responsibility when tenants put out excess material; the administration said the owner is ultimately responsible and ticketing proceeds to municipal court.

Council members also requested an explicit public notice explaining expected pickup timelines and a complaint hotline for missed pickups. Several council members urged that fines be enforceable as property liens if unpaid; the administration signaled support for stronger enforcement mechanisms and for notifying repeat offenders such as storage companies and absentee owners.

The ordinance sponsor asked clerks to advance the item for further consideration and the council recorded support to move the matter forward for committee review.