Council amends solid-waste code to clarify downtown dumpsters, third‑party hauling and cart screening

The Denison City Council on Aug. 17 adopted updates to the city’s solid-waste ordinance (Chapter 20), revising accepted recycling resin codes, changing residential cart placement clearances, adding screening requirements for stored carts, clarifying downtown shared-dumpster rules and tightening rules on third‑party dumpers.

John Phillips, presenting the ordinance, said the recycling list was updated to match the vendor Republic Services, the minimum clearance for residential carts would rise from 3 feet to 5 feet to protect property and improve collection operations, and the city would add a requirement that carts be stored out of public view after service. Phillips said the ordinance also formalized the process for third‑party haulers to seek approval for commercial or industrial wastes and would require an annual hazardous-waste hauler permit with a $50 fee so the city can track proper disposal.

Council members pressed staff on whether property owners doing their own remodeling could continue to use private rolloffs; staff said limited exemptions and hardship permits are available and that state law allows cities to be exclusive haulers. Phillips confirmed the city has been giving informal grace to existing operators but will enforce the code going forward. "There are some exemptions that could be in place such as if you have a roof being replaced," Phillips said. The item passed unanimously. Council asked staff to return with clarifying verbiage and hardship/waiver options to avoid undue burden on low-income residents.