Irvington council introduces tougher containerization rules and penalties for multi‑family waste

The Irvington Municipal Council introduced (first reading) an amendment to Section 460-9 of the municipal code that would require property owners of multi‑family buildings (four units or more) to provide adequate receptacles for solid waste and recyclables, prevent commingling of recycling with garbage, and require lids that fully close. The draft ordinance specifies curb-placement timing (after 6:00 p.m. the evening prior to collection) and storage requirements (receptacles stored at the rear of the property and not at the front or side).

The proposed ordinance also sets penalties under the general penalty provisions: a minimum fine of $750 and a maximum of $1,250 and up to 90 days in jail for violations; plea negotiations not to go below the $750 minimum. It further proposes an additional separate $1,000 fine for a repeat violation occurring within one year of a prior violation that resulted in a conviction.

Council members Brown and Beasley presented the ordinance on first reading; the minutes record the proposed text and penalty schedule but the ordinance is at first-reading stage, so final adoption and any amendments will occur at a later council meeting. The record does not show a final vote on the ordinance during the April 28 session.

If adopted, the amendment would expand enforcement tools for code compliance at multi‑family properties and formalize receptacle and curb-placement expectations for residents and property managers. The minutes do not specify implementation details such as enforcement staffing, notice periods to property owners, or an effective date for the ordinance.