Apex council adopts strengthened yard-waste enforcement; final decision on grass collection deferred

The Apex Town Council on May 28 approved ordinance changes that tighten rules and enforcement for residential yard-waste collection while deferring a final decision on whether the town will eliminate curbside grass pickup.

Council adopted provisions that shorten allowable limb lengths so crew-collected material fits modern rear-loader trucks, clarify prohibited items and contractor responsibilities, and allow the town to charge for "excess volume" above posted limits. The ordinance adds compliance tools — civil penalties and administrative remedies — that staff said are necessary to limit the frequent contractor-generated piles that have strained collection equipment. Town Manager Vossberg briefed council that vacuum trucks have been stressed when used for large grass volumes and that the town has identified several units approaching the end of their service life.

"We're requiring additional compliance measures," Vossberg said, summarizing council direction to staff. Councilmembers and residents debated alternatives — including expanded contractor agreements, regional disposal options and a permanent switch to containerized collection. Staff reported ongoing negotiations with private haulers about a container-based option; those talks will continue and the council postponed an ordinance element that would outright eliminate town grass pickup until disposal contracts and operational impacts are clear.

Council members said they sought a balanced approach: stronger rules to limit abuse of the current system and more time for staff to secure reliable disposal and vendor terms before adopting a full-fledged containerization policy. The adopted enforcement provisions will become effective as directed in the RA1 schedule; staff will return to council with any proposed changes to collection method and the vendor/disposal plan.