Trash Code Change To Be Made Permanent In Morristown  

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A new update to the Morristown trash code is set to be adopted at Tuesday's meeting, following a resident complaint at a previous meeting that caused the council to seek change.

The ordinance, which was introduced at the council meeting on Nov. 10, proposes adding clarity to the trash code and remove the section that defines a garbage container as a substantial metal or plastic container, or a dark colored plastic bag.

The need for the change arose after local resident Michael Quattro addressed council about a problem with the trash code's lack of clarity. Quattro had received a code enforcement notice, which had led to the summons he was facing for putting garbage bags on the curb.

However, in the Morristown garbage code it only states that all trash must be placed in a garbage container, which is defined as a substantial metal or plastic container, or a dark colored plastic bag that is securely tied shut.

Read more: Resident Complaint Prompts Change To Morristown Trash Code

Quattro claimed that his summons was unfairly issued because he had broken no rules according to the official code.

The new ordinance would replace that section of the code with a more specific and less ambiguous definition.

Under the ordinance, "a metal or plastic container of substantial construction with a capacity of not less than 10 nor more than 32 gallons, and with a tight-fitting lid and wheels and/or handles of sufficient size and strength to facilitate safe handling of the container when full as well as a device to secure the lid to the container."

During the meeting, Council Member Stefan Armington clarified that a "device to secure the lid to the container" does not imply that the town requires all residents to have a hinge lid.

Any device that secure the lid can be used, officials said.

Council member Iannaccone also clarified that the lid rule only applies to trash cans, not recycling containers, which are typically lidless. "I think the language is just not clear, and again we don't want any more problems with this. Usually the recycling cans are usually different than trash cans."

According to Municipal Attorney David L. Minchello, Quattro's summons has been dismissed, as have all of the tickets issued for bags, on the prosecutor's recommendation.

"We did that because we wanted to clarify this language. Now that we've clarified it, if it is adopted by the governing body, leaving bags will be a basis for a summons," Minchello said.

The ordinance will go up for adoption at Tuesday night's council meeting, to view the full agenda, click here.