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Chapter 203
Approved: November 15, 2019
SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
Revised: February 14, 2022
TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER
CHAPTER 203
SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
A by-law to provide for the separation, storage, placement, collection and transportation of
solid waste resources generated within the Town of Bridgewater
SHORT TITLE:
1)
This By-law shall be known and may be cited as the "Solid Waste Management By-law".
DEFINITIONS:
2)
Governing Authorities
a) "N.S.E." means that department of the Nova Scotia Provincial Government currently called
"Nova Scotia Environment" or its successor provincial department should there be a name
change;
b) "Divert Nova Scotia" a not-for-profit Board regulated by the Nova Scotia Solid Waste-
Resource Management Regulations, under Section 102 of the Environment Act. The Board's
mandates administering resource recovery fund as prescribed in Section 4 of the Solid
Waste Regulations.
c) "Council" means the council of the Town of Bridgewater;
d) "Municipal Joint Services Board" referred to in this Bylaw as "the MJSB," means a corporate
body established pursuant to an Intermunicipal Services Agreement to which this
municipality is a party. The municipal parties to that Agreement have given the MJSB
responsibility for the management of solid waste within their respective jurisdictions,
pursuant to the s. 60 of the Municipal Government Act; and
e) "LRCRC" means Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre, a division under the
mandate of the MJSB, overseeing the management of the Solid Waste system. The facility is
located at 908 Mullock Road, Whynott's Settlement.
3) Solid Waste
"Solid waste" means collectible waste, non-collectible waste, bulky waste, construction or
demolition materials, household hazardous waste, residual waste - all as defined herein and any
other waste or discarded tangible personal property but excludes wastes from any industrial
activity regulated by way of an approval under the Environment Act;
4) Words used in this by-law shall take their meaning from their context and from dictionaries of
the English (Canadian) language, except as follows:
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
Revised: February 14, 2022
a) "approved storage bin" means a storage bin designed for the temporary storage of
collectible waste and which meets the following specifications:
i)
is constructed of wood or other material and in such a manner as to be
inaccessible to pests, rodents, vermin, seagulls or animals;
ii) is fitted with a securely-hinged lid weighing not more than 5 kilograms
(approx. 11 pounds); and
iii) is not equipped with a self-locking latch;
b) "blue bag recyclables" means glass jars and bottles, cans (whether made of aluminum, steel
or tin), plastic containers, plastic bags, film stretch and pallet wrap, milk and juice containers
together with such other items as may, from time to time, be designated by N.S.E.'s
Regulations Respecting Solid Waste-Resource Management, November, 1995, as amended or
other successive solid waste legislation, as blue bag recyclables;
c) "boxboard" means cereal, shoe, tissue, detergent, cracker, cookie, baking product and frozen
food boxes, toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls or other similar items;
d) "branches and Limbs" means branches, limbs and brush;
e) "bulky waste" means large items of a household nature including but not limited to: vacuum
cleaners, furniture (upholstered or wooden), mattresses, box springs and porcelain
bathroom items such as toilets and sinks, artificial Christmas trees as well as small quantities
of construction or demolition materials, excluding asphalt shingles - subject to special
requirements under "Collection of Bulky Waste" elsewhere in this by-law;
f) "collectible waste" means those wastes which are eligible for collection, within the volume
and other restrictions outlined elsewhere in this by-law, on regularly-scheduled collection
days and consists of the following categories of waste:
i)
organic materials (as defined herein);
ii) recyclables (as defined herein);
iii) residual waste (as defined herein);
iv) non-transparent bag (as defined herein); and
v) bulky waste.
g) "commercial container" means any container used for the storage of properly sorted
collectable waste generated from multi-residential, institutional, commercial, industrial or
other premises within the Town which waste exceeds the maximums or is outside the types
of waste allowed on regular or special collection days as outlined elsewhere in this by-
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
Revised: February 14, 2022
law and which container is designed to be emptied by, and the waste transported by, a
hauler;
h) "construction or demolition materials" means left-over material generated as a result of
any form of construction or renovation and materials generated from demolition activity
including but not limited to: asphalt, brick, mortar, polystyrene or fibreglass insulation,
cellulose, drywall, plaster, shingles, metal and scrap wood - regardless of whether such
left- over material is regulated by the Province of Nova Scotia or meets the definition of
"C & D Debris" in the N.S.E. 1997 Guidelines for same;
i)
"dispose" means any form of disposal of any material, including solid waste as defined
herein: deposit, storage, placement or burial regardless of whether or not the material
being, or having been, deposited, stored or placed is in a box, bin, container or any other
containment device;
j)
"dwelling unit" means a room or series of rooms operated as a housekeeping unit, used or
intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons and usually containing cooking,
eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities;
k) "electronics" means any electronic device that is acceptable under the provincial Electronic
Products Recycling Association (EPRA) program. The list of items under this category may
change from time to time, as determined by EPRA;
l)
"eligible premises" means those properties within the Town which are eligible for collection
services - up to the maximum restrictions outlined elsewhere in this by-law - and includes
all properties in the Town including properties located on private roads;
m) "food waste" means fruit and vegetable peelings, table scraps, meat, poultry and fish,
shellfish, dairy products, cooking oil, grease and fat, bread, grain, rice and pasta, bones, egg
shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea leaves and bags or other similar items;
n) "green cart" means an aerated plastic cart designed for the short-term external storage of
organic materials prior to collection and for the placing out for collection of same;
o) "hauler" means any company or person who transports solid waste within the Town or
within the boundaries of the municipal member units of the LRCRC (defined herein);
p) "household hazardous waste" means any corrosive, flammable or poisonous material or
substance such as oil and oil products, radioactive materials, acids, poisons, insecticides or
other poisons used for agricultural purposes or for rodent control, any substance or
chemical highly lethal to mammalian or aquatic life and any substance or chemical
dangerous to the environment - including but not limited to: batteries, left-over liquid
paint, left-over corrosive cleaners, pesticides or herbicides, gasoline, fuel oil and used
motor oil, solvents and thinners, pharmaceuticals, drugs and needles, aerosol cans which
contain hazardous substances, BBQ propane tanks and small propane cylinders or canisters
such as those used for camp stoves or propane torches;
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
Revised: February 14, 2022
q) "leaf and yard waste" means grass clippings, leaves, twigs, house and garden plants or
other similar items as well as branches, limbs or brush - the latter three being subject to
special requirements elsewhere in this by-law;
r) "metal items" means medium to large metal items including metal fencing, water tanks, oil
tanks - subject to special requirements elsewhere in this by-law - and metal containers
other than containers designed to hold either household hazardous waste (as defined
herein) or anything intended for human consumption;
s) "mini-bin" means a small plastic container designed for the short-term internal storage of
organic materials prior to deposit in a green cart;
t) "natural Christmas tree waste" means discarded non-artificial Christmas trees;
u) "non-collectible waste" means all material other than collectible waste or bulky waste and,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes:
i)
highly combustible or explosive materials including, without limiting, fireworks,
flares, celluloid cuttings, motion picture film, oil or gasoline-soaked rags, gas
containers, chemicals, acids or other combustible residues, fine dry sawdust,
ammunition, dynamite, or other similar material;
ii) materials that are considered pathogenic or biomedical including, without limiting,
dressings, bandages or other infected materials or sharps discarded in the course of
the practice of physicians, surgeons, dentists or veterinarians;
iii) carcasses or parts of any animal except food waste;
iv) waste listed or characterized as hazardous by any Federal or Provincial law - other
than "household hazardous waste" as defined herein;
v) electronics, with the exception of an annual electronics collection;
vi) solid waste generated, or originating from, outside the Town;
vii) liquid waste or material that has attained a fluid consistency and has not been
drained;
viii) soil, rock and stumps;
ix)
construction or demolition materials (as defined herein) - other than the exception
as allowed under the definition of "bulky waste" in this by-law;
x)
septic tank pumping, raw sewage or industrial sludge;
xi)
radioactive materials;
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
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xii) contaminated soil;
xiii) all passenger tires up to 62 cm (24.5 inches) as per the Tire Management Program
administered by Divert Nova Scotia;
xiv) industrial waste from factories or manufacturing processes;
xv) manure, kennel waste, excreta, fish processing waste;
xvi) lead-acid automotive batteries and propane tanks;
xvii) waste which has been placed for collection but not in accordance with the
provisions of this by-law; and
v)
"non-recyclable paper" means used napkins or paper towel, used fast food wrappers, wax
paper, soiled pizza boxes, used paper plates or paper cups, damp or soiled newspaper or
flyers, sugar, flour & potato paper bags or other similar items;
w) "occupant" means any person who, in addition to or instead of the owner, resides in or is
the lessee of, whether by way of verbal or written lease or other arrangement, a building
or on a property located within the Town and includes any assignee or legal representative
of same;
x)
"organic materials" means food waste (as defined herein), leaf and yard waste (as defined
herein), non-recyclable paper(as defined herein), ashes or soot, sawdust, wood chips, wood
shavings and other specific material of plant or animal origin as designated by Council from
time to time;
y)
"owner" refers to the owner of property and includes a part owner, joint owner, tenant in
common or joint tenant of the whole or any part of land or a building and, in the case of
the absence or incapacity of the person having title to the land or building, a trustee, an
executor, a guardian, an agent, a mortgagee in possession or a person having the care or
control of the land or building; and, in the absence of proof to the contrary, the person
assessed for the property;
z)
"paper recyclables" means non-soiled mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, boxboard (as
defined herein), newsprint, magazines, catalogues, flyers, telephone and other soft cover
books, file folders - both traditional and expandable, envelopes (other than padded or
bubbled envelopes), non-metallic wrapping paper and paper egg cartons or other similar
items as are designated by N.S.E.'s Regulations Respecting Solid Waste-Resource
Management, November, 1995, as amended or other successive solid waste legislation from
time to time;
aa) "recyclables" means paper recyclables and blue bag recyclables - both as defined herein;
bb) "regulation container" means a container, bag or bundle which meets the specifications
and other requirements for same - in relation to specific waste types - as outlined
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
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elsewhere in this by-law;
cc) "rejected waste" means any type of waste which has been placed for collection but not in
accordance with the provisions of this by-law and which has had a rejection sticker affixed
thereto by the Town or its designated agent;
dd) "residual waste" means broken bottles, crockery and glassware - subject to special
requirements elsewhere in this by-law - and floor sweepings, pet litter, light bulbs,
disposable diapers, discarded clothing and furnishings, broken toys, mats and small
carpets, non-recyclable plastic, non-recyclable packaging including Styrofoam™ and
padded or bubbled envelopes, metallic wrapping paper, non-passenger tires, non-
repairable household goods and other household waste, wax coated drink cups, poly-
coated paper drink cups, bowls and plates;
ee) "scrap wood" means wooden furniture, wooden pallets, wooden barrels, boards and
plywood;
ff)
"Town" means the Town of Bridgewater;
gg) "Town Engineer" means the person appointed as the Town Engineer for the Town of
Bridgewater and includes any person acting under the supervision and direction of the
Town Engineer; and
hh) "white goods" means any large household appliance including but not limited to stoves,
dishwashers, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and
air conditioners" - the last four (4) being subject to special requirements elsewhere in this
by-law.
COLLECTION
5) Regularly-scheduled collection from eligible premises of recyclables - subject to restrictions noted
elsewhere in this by-law - shall take place once every two (2) weeks commencing at 8:00 a.m.
6) Regularly-scheduled collection from eligible premises of organic materials, two (2) bulky waste
items and residual waste - both subject to restrictions noted elsewhere in this by-law - shall take
place on the alternating week commencing at 8:00 a.m.
7) The alternating bi-weekly nature of the two above-mentioned collections results in a collection of
some type(s) of collectible waste once a week.
8) When a normally scheduled collection day falls on a public or statutory holiday, such collection
shall be made instead on a date as identified in the Town's "collection calendar", unless otherwise
specified by the MJSB.
9) Each Fall there will be an electronics collection- as per restrictions noted elsewhere in this by-law
on dates to be specified by the MJSB.
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
Revised: February 14, 2022
10) Each Fall there will be scrap wood and metal collection- as per restrictions noted elsewhere in
this by-law - on dates to be specified by the MJSB.
11) Each Spring and Fall there will be a separate special collection of leaf and yard waste - as per
restrictions noted elsewhere in this by-law - on a date to be specified by the MJSB.
12) Collection of properly-prepared natural Christmas trees, per restrictions noted elsewhere in this
by- law, shall take place annually in the month of January on a date to be specified by the MJSB.
13) The dates for collection of collectible waste from eligible premises will be as described in a mail-
out "collection calendar" - which will also be posted on-line - and any other collection dates will
be published in a local newspaper and/or advertised on a local radio station.
PLACEMENT
14) All solid waste to be collected by the Town shall be accessible to the collector within 3 metres
(approximately 10 feet) of the curb, placed in such a manner as to not interfere with pedestrian
traffic and snow removal.
15) All regulation or other containers of solid waste placed out to be collected by the Town shall also
be placed in an upright position and, in applicable circumstances, with the lid securely closed.
16) The Town Engineer may designate places for collection of solid waste within manufactured home
parks.
CONTAINER REGULATIONS FOR RESIDUAL WASTE:
17) Bag Container Specifications:
a) Each bag shall be made of clear transparent, free from colour plastic, be watertight and be
securely tied;
b) Each bag shall be no smaller than 66 cm x 91 cm and no larger than 75 cm x 120 cm;
c) Each bag shall have an overall length of between 0.5 metres and 1.2 metres when empty;
and
d) Each bag, including contents, shall not exceed 25 kilograms (approx. 55 pounds) in weight.
e) Non-transparent bag Specifications:
i) Each non-transparent bag shall be made of opaque (black or dark green) plastic, be
watertight and be securely tied;
ii) Each bag shall be no smaller than 66 cm x 91 cm and no larger than 75 cm x 120 cm;
iii) Each bag shall have an overall length of between 0.5 metres and 1.2 metres when
Chapter 203
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
Revised: February 14, 2022
empty; and
iv) Each bag, including contents, shall not exceed 25 kilograms (approx. 55 pounds) in
weight.
18) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, residual waste out for collection in any container
other than a "regulation container" which is one which meets the following specifications:
Non-Bag Container Specifications:
a) Non-bag containers shall be made of metal, plastic or other impermeable material;
b) Non-bag containers shall be watertight, secured with a cover, equipped with handles in good
repair and as large or larger at the top as they are at the bottom;
c) Non-bag containers shall not be filled above an imaginary line 5 cm below the top of the
container;
d) Each non-bag container, including contents, shall not exceed 25 kilograms (approx. 55
pounds) in weight;
e) Each non-bag container shall not exceed 100 liters (approx. 105 quarts) in volume; and
f) Non-bag containers shall be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition and kept in good
repair.
CONTAINER REGULATIONS FOR RECYCLABLES:
19) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, recyclables out for collection in any container other
than a "regulation container" which is one which meets the following specifications:
Blue Bag Recyclables:
a) Each bag shall be watertight, securely tied and of transparent blue plastic of a maximum
overall length, when empty, of 1.2 metres;
b) Each bag shall also be no smaller than 25 cm x 40 cm and no larger than 75 cm x 120 cm;
c) Each bag, including contents, shall not exceed 25 kilograms (approx. 55 pounds) in weight;
and
d) All recyclables must be clean.
Paper:
e) Shall be placed in a bag, securely tied;
f) Each bag shall be no smaller than 25 cm x 40 cm and no larger than 75 cm x 120 cm; and
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g) Each bag, including contents, shall not exceed 25 kilograms (approx. 55 pounds) in weight.
CONTAINER REGULATIONS FOR ORGANIC MATERIALS:
20) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, organic materials out for collection in any container
other than a "regulation container" in the form of a green cart.
a) Notwithstanding the above, please see the special container requirements for leaf and yard
waste under except under PREPARATION OF SPECIFIC WASTE below and specific controls on
COLLECTION OF NATURAL CHRISTMAS TREES, inclusive; and
b) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, organic materials out for collection in plastic
biodegradable bags or oxo-biodegradeable bags.
CONTAINER REGULATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL CONTAINERS:
21) Commercial containers shall:
a) Be sturdily constructed of weather-proof material and shall be water tight;
b) Be inaccessible to pests, rodents, vermin, seagulls or animals;
c) Be equipped with a tight-fitting lid with a positive closing device which shall be kept closed
except when the container is being loaded or unloaded;
d) Be kept in a clean manner;
e) Be kept in a state of good repair; and
f) Have displayed thereon the name and telephone number of the owner of the container and
the type of material to be deposited therein;
PREPARATION of SPECIFIC WASTES:
Leaf and Yard Waste
22) Leaf and yard waste may be deposited into a green cart so long as the cover of same is completely
closed.
23) Leaf and yard waste may also be deposited into heavy kraft paper bags.
24) Branches and limbs or brush, of a maximum length of 900 mm (approx. 3 feet) - and maximum
individual diameter of 50 mm (2 inches) in diameter may be tied in manageable bundles or
inserted into bags as outlined under COLLECTION OF LEAF AND YARD WASTE later in this bylaw.
Bottles or Glassware
25) Broken bottles and glassware shall be sealed in a cardboard box or bucket or other non-bag
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container and clearly identified- by noting, in large capital letters, on the outside of the bundle
the words "BROKEN GLASS" - a warning to collection personnel.
Ashes or Soot
26) Ashes or soot shall be completely cooled for a minimum of four (4) weeks, then wetted down
before depositing in the green cart or dampened down and placed in paper bags rolled down and
then deposited in a green cart.
Cardboard
27) Corrugated cardboard shall be flattened out and securely tied in convenient bundles weighing no
more than 25 kilograms each (approx. 55 pounds) and being a maximum of 900 mm by 600 mm
(approx. 3 ft. by 2 ft.) in area and no more than 600 mm (approx. 2 ft. thick).
Electronics
28) Electronics shall be placed for collection separately from other collectible wastes. Electronics shall
be placed carefully at the curbside to prevent damage to the electronic and broken glass. Three (3)
Electronic Items may be placed per eligible premises, per collection.
29) Scrap Wood and Metal
a) Each individual piece shall not exceed 50 kgs (110 lbs) in weight; and
b) Each individual piece shall not exceed 1.8 m in any dimension.
GREEN CARTS:
30) Every owner or occupant shall provide sufficient and specified green carts for the storage and
disposal of organic waste generated from his or her premises and maintain such green carts in good
repair and sanitary condition.
31) To comply with the preceding section a green cart shall be:
a) Of 120-litre or 240-litre capacity;
b) Either of the aerated or ventilated type;
c) Dark green in colour;
d) An MJSB approved brand and model; and
e) Designed to be emptied by a hydraulic lifting device.
32) Every owner or occupant of the following types of dwellings shall provide a minimum number of
green carts as outlined below. In all cases the building owners are to ensure adequate number of
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green carts are provided.
a) single-unit building
1 green cart per dwelling unit (140 litre or 240 litre)
b) duplex building
1 green cart per two dwelling units (240 litre)
c) semi-detached building
1 green cart per each unit (140 litre or 240 litre)
d) buildings of 3 to 5 units
1 green cart per building (240 litre)
e) buildings of 6 to 10 units
2 green carts per building (240 litre)
f) buildings of 11 to 20 units
3 green carts per building (240 litre)
g) buildings of over 20 units
4 green carts per building (240 litre)
h) senior's apts. of more than 20 units
4 green carts per building (240 litre)
i) manufactured home
1 green cart per unit (140 litre or 240 litre)
RESTRICTIONS:
33) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, residual waste, or recyclables per any one eligible
premises out for collection on any one collection day the cumulative weight of which, including
containers, exceeds 100 kilograms (approx. 222 lbs.).
34) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, residual waste and leaf and yard waste per any one
eligible premises out for collection on any one collection day which exceeds a maximum of eight (8)
bags or bundles or both - of which up to a maximum of six (6) bags may be residual waste and a
maximum of two (2) bulky waste items.
35) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, scrap wood and metal per any one eligible premises
out for collection on any one collection day the cumulative weight of which, exceeds 100 kilograms
(approx. 222 lbs.).
36) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, more than two (2) green carts per any one eligible
premise as outlined above under GREEN CARTS out for collection on any one collection day and
the combined weight of the cart and its contents shall not exceed 110 kilograms (approx. 240 lbs).
37) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, more than one (1) non-transparent bag per any one
dwelling unit out for collection on any one collection day.
38) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, residual waste out for collection on any one
collection day in a "storage" container which is not a clear transparent bag, free from colour, in
which its contents are not visible except for one (1) non-transparent bag as outlined elsewhere in
this bylaw.
REJECTION OF WASTE:
39) Any type of solid waste which has been set out for collection is subject to inspection by the MJSB
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and any such solid waste found or deemed by same to be set out in violation of the requirements of
this by-law may be rejected and not collected.
40) Any solid waste which is so rejected will have placed on it a Rejection Sticker indicating the reason
or reasons for rejection and information as to how to rectify same or get direction to rectify the
problem.
41) Any rejected solid waste, as designated by a rejection sticker, shall remain the property of the
owner or occupier.
PROHIBITIONS SPECIFIC TO COLLECTIONS:
42) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any collectible waste out for collection before 8:00
P.M. of the day immediately preceding the day scheduled for collection.
43) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any collectible waste out for collection after 8:00 A.M.
of the day scheduled for collection.
44) The two immediately preceding sections may be altered by written permission of the MJSB.
45) No person shall permit any empty or rejected regulation container or any rejected materials to
remain at the collection placement spot after 12:00 noon of the day following the day scheduled
for collection.
46) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any non-collectible waste out for collection.
47) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any natural Christmas tree out for collection on either
of the bi-weekly regular collection days unless such an exception is clearly specified per the
Collection Calendar issued by the MJSB.
COLLECTION OF BULKY WASTE:
48) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, more than two (2) bulky waste items during the
bi-weekly residual waste and organics collection. The bulky waste item shall be placed for
collection in accordance with the following restrictions:
a) Waste shall be packaged, bundled or boxed so as to facilitate removal and handling;
b) Any sizable material shall be placed separately so as to allow for collection of salvageable
materials;
c) Each individual package, bundle or box shall not exceed 100 kgs (222 lbs) in weight; and
d) Each individual package, bundle or box shall not exceed 1.8 m in any dimension.
50) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any bulky waste item out for collection prior to 8:00
P.M. of the day immediately preceding the day scheduled for collection.
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No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any bulky waste item out for collection after 8:00
A.M. of the day designated by the MJSB for collection of same.
51) No person shall permit any rejected or residue bulky waste item to remain at the collection
placement spot after 12:00 noon of the day immediately following the day designated by the MJSB
for collection of same.
SPECIAL COLLECTION OF SCRAP WOOD AND METAL:
52) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, scrap wood or metal out for collection except on a
day designated by the MJSB for special collection of same and in accordance with the following
restrictions:
a) An oil tank is eligible for this special collection only if it is from a residence, does not
exceed 760 litres (200 gallons) in capacity and has been cleaned and cut in half;
b) A refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier or air conditioner shall display a sticker, issued by the
appropriate authority, indicating that any Freon, other refrigerant gas, coolant or CFC has
been removed and any refrigerator or freezer shall have its doors already removed;
c) Such waste shall be packaged, bundled or boxed so as to facilitate removal and
handling;
d) Any sizable material shall be placed separately so as to allow for a dedicated collection of
salvageable materials;
e) Scrap wood and metal shall be placed separately for collection;
f) Each individual package, bundle or box shall not exceed 100 kgs (222 lbs) in weight; and
g) Each individual package, bundle or box shall not exceed 1.8 m in any dimension.
53) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, any scrap wood or metal out for collection on any
one day the total of which exceeds a combined total volume of 2.0 m
3.
54) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any scrap wood or metal out for collection prior to
8:00 P.M. of the day immediately preceding the day scheduled for collection.
55) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any scrap wood or metal out for collection after 8:00
A.M. of the day designated by the MJSB for collection of same.
56) No person shall permit any rejected or residue scrap wood or metal to remain at the collection
placement spot after 12:00 noon of the day immediately following the day designated by the MJSB
for collection of same.
SPECIAL COLLECTION OF LEAF AND YARD WASTE:
57) No person shall place, or caused to be placed leaf and yard waste out for collection except on a
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day designated by the MJSB unless it meets the following restrictions:
a) Such waste shall be contained in heavy kraft paper bags of a dimension no less than 66 cm by
91 cm nor greater than 75 cm by 120 cm shall not exceed a weight of 25 kg (55 lbs.);
b) Bundled branches/limbs not exceeding 900 mm (3 ft) in length with individual limbs not
exceeding 50 mm (2 inches) in diameter;
c) Each bag or bundle shall not exceed a weight of 25 kg (55 lbs.); and
d) The total of such waste shall not exceed 2.0 m3 in total volume.
58) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any leaf and yard waste out for collection prior to
three (3) days before the day designated by the MJSB for collection of same.
59) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any leaf and yard waste out for collection after 8:00
A.M. of the day designated by the MJSB for collection of same.
60) No person shall permit any rejected or residue leaf and yard waste to remain at the collection
placement spot after 12:00 noon of the day immediately following the day designated by the MJSB
for collection of same.
COLLECTION OF NATURAL CHRISTMAS TREES:
61) No person shall place, or caused to be placed, a natural Christmas tree out for collection except on
a day designated by the MJSB for collection of the same and in accordance with the following
restrictions:
a) It is to be unpackaged and undecorated, including the removal of all lights and any tree
stand;
b) It shall have no wires or nails attached; and
c) It must not exceed 3 m (approx. 10 ft) in length.
62) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any natural Christmas tree out for collection before
8:00 P.M. of the day immediately preceding the day designated for collection of same.
63) No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any natural Christmas tree out for collection after
8:00 A.M. of the day designated for collection of same.
64) No person shall permit any rejected natural Christmas tree to remain at the collection placement
spot after 12:00 noon of the day immediately following the day designated by the MJSB for
collection of same.
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SOLID WASTE BY-LAW
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS and OCCUPANTS:
65) Every owner or occupant shall:
a) Ensure that collectible waste is placed for collection in accordance with this by-law;
b) Use only regulation containers for the storing and placement for collection of collectible
waste;
c) Provide a sufficient number of regulation containers to contain all of the collectible waste
generated at the subject premises between regularly scheduled collection dates;
d) Maintain such regulation containers in good repair and in a sanitary condition;
e) Take all reasonable measures to ensure that each regulation container is covered and
secured at all times except when being emptied or filled;
f) Clean up any type of collectible waste which has escaped from its container whether it be a
regulation container or not;
g) If collectible waste is stored outside the main building on the eligible premises it is to be
stored in one or more secured regulation containers or an approved storage bin - in either
case made inaccessible to pests, rodents, vermin, seagulls or animals;
h) Ensure that any approved storage bin serving that premises is maintained at all times in a
neat and sanitary condition and in good repair;
i)
Store any waste refrigerator or freezer either inside an enclosed and locked building or with
the doors of the refrigerator or freezer removed;
j)
Ensure the proper preparation of all collectible waste in accordance with this by-law; and
k) Abide by all lawful directives of the MJSB with regard to the handling of solid waste
materials.
COMMERCIAL CONTAINERS:
66) The owner or occupier of any premises on which a commercial container is placed shall keep each
commercial container behind or beside the building which it serves so as to reduce visibility from
the street and adjacent properties.
67) Where the commercial container is placed on premises which are located in a residential zone
pursuant to the Town's Land Use By-law or adjacent to a property which is zoned residential or
contains a residential use, the commercial container shall be kept not less than 3 metres from the
adjacent property lines.
68) Where the owner or occupier of any premises is unable to comply with the requirements of
The two (2) preceding subsections because of the location of a building on the premises, which
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building was in existence at the time of the adoption of this By-law, the owner or occupier shall
keep the commercial container at a location on the premises which is considered by the Town
Engineer - as evidenced in writing - to not be unsightly and to cause neither a nuisance nor a
health related problem.
69) Any temporary commercial container used during construction or repair work need not comply
with the full range of Specifications outlined earlier in this bylaw, however, shall be subject to:
a) No solid waste shall extend beyond the internal volume of the container;
b) The temporary commercial container shall be removed immediately upon completion of the
construction or repair work; and
c) The temporary commercial container shall be emptied as often as required to avoid over-
filling of the same.
70) An owner or occupier of any premises on which a commercial container is located shall not permit
the commercial container to be loaded other than uniformly and ensure that no solid waste
extends beyond the internal volume of the container.
71) An owner or occupier of any premises on which a commercial container is located:
a) Shall place same only on a surface which is hard, level and weather-resistant;
b) Shall keep the area surrounding the container free from litter and waste; and
c) Shall cause the container to be emptied on a regular basis, as required.
72) Where a person proposes to locate a temporary commercial container within the right of way of a
public street in the Town, that person shall submit a written request for doing so, to the Town
Engineer, outlining the exact proposed location and the estimated time that the container will be
required to be there and any other details as requested by the Town Engineer and must receive
written permission from same, outlining the exact location to be used, and other salient details,
prior to so locating a commercial container.
HAULERS:
73) All private collections of solid waste shall be undertaken in compliance with relevant
Federal/Provincial/Municipal statutes and regulations.
74) All private collection vehicles shall:
a) Be maintained in good condition and be properly manned and equipped to ensure safe
collection of solid waste;
b) Comply with the Motor Vehicle Act and any other regulations or legislation in effect from
time to time;
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c) Be designed so as to prevent any contents (including liquids) from falling out, being spilled,
or scattering from the vehicle whether in motion or not;
d) If used in the collection of more than one type of waste, be constructed to prevent cross-
contamination between the various waste streams;
e) Be equipped with a tailgate or other restraining device; and
f) Be closed-in or equipped with a tarpaulin or equivalent cover device which shall be used to
cover solid waste while it is being transported.
75) All private collection of any solid waste shall be made directly to the private collection vehicle
from the premises where the same was generated.
76) All solid waste collected through private collections, and which is to be delivered to the LRCRC,
shall be in compliance with the Regulations promulgated by the operator of the LRCRC regarding
acceptance and receipt of solid waste at the LRCRC.
77) In the event of any spillage, the vehicle operator shall be responsible for the clean-up which shall
be undertaken immediately.
ELECTRONICS:
78) No person shall place electronics out for collection except on a day designated by the MJSB for
collection of same.
79) Every owner or occupant may deliver electronics to a recognized electronics return collection
facility in Nova Scotia for reuse and recycle.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE:
80) Every owner or occupant shall store any residentially-generated household hazardous waste in
a safe and secure manner and place and shall deliver same, as soon as is reasonably possible, to
the Household Hazardous Waste Depot ("HHW Depot") at the LRCRC.
81) No person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, household hazardous waste at
any location within the Town.
CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION MATERIALS:
82) Every owner or occupant shall deliver any construction or demolition materials - over and above
those collected by the Town - to the appropriate area or site within the LRCRC or an approved C&D
debris disposal site.
83) No person shall dispose of construction or demolition materials by stock-piling, storing or
any other method.
LUNENBURG REGIONAL COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE:
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84) The Town Council has designated, by resolution, the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling
Centre ("LRCRC") as the receiving site for solid waste generated by its residents - within the
restrictions as set in this by-law and other restrictions as set by the operator of LRCRC.
85) The operator or other authorized staff of the LRCRC may refuse to accept a load of solid waste for
the following reasons:
a) The load is comprised of, or contains, solid waste other than the type of solid waste which
the LRCRC has been approved to accept; or
b) It is a load for which a tipping fee has not yet been set or negotiated with the solid waste
generator or hauler; or
c) It is a load for which a tipping fee has not yet been paid to the LRCRC; or
d) It is a load for which tipping fee payment arrangements satisfactory to the operator or
authorized staff have not yet been made.
86) No person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, any type of solid waste outside,
around or adjacent to the LRCRC in the following circumstances:
a) When the LRCRC is not open and operational; or
b) After the operator or authorized staff of the LRCRC has refused to accept same.
87) All collection vehicles shall be equipped with a tailgate or other restraining device; and be closed-in
or equipped with a tarpaulin or equivalent cover device which shall be used to cover solid waste
while it is being transported from the LRCRC front gates to the scale house.
LEGAL and ILLEGAL DISPOSAL:
88) With the exception of the placement of solid waste for collection in accordance with this By-law,
the delivery of electronics or household hazardous wastes to depots or other disposals allowed for
in this by-law, no person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, collectible waste or
non-collectible waste at any location or manner in the Town except as follows:
a) Backyard composting carried out in such a manner as to not constitute a nuisance;
b) Subject to Federal or Provincial law to the contrary, the disposal of waste trees, brush or
portions thereof or other organic farm or forestry waste on privately-owned forest or farm
land in such a manner as to not constitute a nuisance;
c) Subject to Federal or Provincial law or other Municipal By-laws to the contrary, the disposal
aggregate, soil, bricks, mortar, concrete, asphalt pavement, porcelain or ceramic materials as
fill in such a manner as to not constitute a nuisance.
89) No person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, any solid waste in an approved
storage bin unless that person is, or has the permission of, the owner of said bin.
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90) No person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, any non-collectible waste or
rejected solid waste in, at or near an approved storage bin.
91) No person shall dispose of, or cause or permit the disposal of, construction or demolition
materials at any location other than at the LRCRC or an approved C&D debris disposal site.
92) Proof that any type of solid waste, which was disposed of in contravention of this by-law,
originated from a particular person, from the residence of a particular person, from a particular
premises, or from a particular vehicle (as defined by the Motor Vehicle Act of Nova Scotia), shall,
in the absence of evidence convincing a court to the contrary, be evidence sufficient for a court to
infer that the said person - or the owner or current occupant of said residence or premises - or
the owner of the vehicle - was the person who disposed of that solid waste, or a portion of same,
or caused or permitted it to be disposed of.
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS:
93) Where an owner or occupier properly places any authorized form of solid waste out for collection
by the Town's contractor the said solid waste becomes the property of the Town.
94) No person shall pick over, remove, collect, disturb or otherwise interfere with any type of solid
waste or regulation container which has been placed out for collection.
95) No person shall pick over, remove, collect, disturb or otherwise interfere with any type of solid
waste or regulation container which has been placed in an approved storage bin.
96) The prohibitions in the above three clauses do not apply to the following circumstances:
a) Removal by authorized personnel when acting on behalf of the Town; or
b) Scrap wood material, appliances or furniture; and any materials placed out for bulky waste
collection only; or
c) Leaf and yard waste placed out for leaf and yard waste collection.
97) In the event of any removal, collecting or disturbing allowed by the preceding clause, all remaining
materials shall be left in an orderly condition and placed so as not to interfere with pedestrian or
vehicular traffic;
98) No person shall dispose of any type of solid waste by the burning of same.
99) No person shall place any solid waste generated from outside the Town for collection at a
designated collection location within the Town.
EXPORT OF SOLID WASTE:
100) No person shall transport any type of solid waste generated within the Town to any location
other than the LRCRC site or outside the boundaries of the area served by the LRCRC but for the
following exceptions:
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Revised: February 14, 2022
a) Construction or demolition materials to an approved C&D debris disposal site;
b) "Direct haul" of residual waste to Kaizer Meadow only when authorized by the operator of
LRCRC;
c) Electronics which may be taken to a recognized electronics return collection facility in Nova
Scotia; and
d) Any other special arrangement authorized in writing by the operator of the LRCRC.
ENFORCEMENT and PENALTIES:
Illegal Dumping:
101) Any person who disposes of, or permits the disposal of, any solid waste including construction or
demolition materials and/or residual waste other than in accordance with this by-law is guilty of a
summary offense and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars
($1000.00) and not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), and in default of payment to a
term of imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days.
Other Provisions:
102) Any person who violates any other provision of, or permits any other thing to be done in violation
of, this by-law is guilty of a summary offense and is liable, upon conviction, to the following in
accordance with the Solid Waste Enforcement Policy:
a) for a first offense, a fine of not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) and not more than
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) and in default of payment thereof to a term of
imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days;
b) for a second offense, a fine of not less than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) and not more
than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) and in default of payment thereof to a term of
imprisonment not to exceed thirty (60) days;
c) for each subsequent offense, a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and not
more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) and in default of payment thereof to a term of
imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days.
103) Any person who obstructs or hinders any person in the performance of their duties under this
bylaw is guilty of a summary offense and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), and in default of
payment to a term of imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days.
104) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this by-law and the court is satisfied that, as a
result of the commission of the offence, clean-up or site remediation costs were incurred,
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whether by the MJSB or by a person, the Court may order the offender to pay, in addition to all
other fines and penalties, restitution to the MJSB or person in an amount equal to the said clean-
up or remediation costs.
105) Pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, in addition to a fine imposed or violation of
this by-law a judge may order the imposition of a penalty in relation to any fee, cost, toll, or charge
associated with the conduct that gave rise to the offence.
106) Pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, in addition to a fine imposed or violation
of this by-law a judge may order compliance with this by-law within a specified period of time.
107) Each day that a person commits any offence under this by-law constitutes a separate offence.
108) Where a breach of this by-law is anticipated or is of a continuing nature, the MJSB may,
pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, apply to a judge of the Supreme
Court of Nova Scotia for an injunction or other order and the judge may make any order that
The justice of the case requires.
ADMINISTRATIVE TICKETING:
109) In lieu of prosecution under this by-law the MJSB may issue to any person it believes, upon
reasonable grounds, has committed an offence under this by-law a Notice of Alleged Violation
allowing the person to whom it is directed to avoid possible prosecution by means of the
voluntary payment of a sum of money.
110) Any person who receives A Notice of Alleged Violation in relation to this by-law and where the
said Notice so provides, may pay a penalty in the amount of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) to
the office of the MJSB provided that said payment is made within fourteen (14) days of the date
of issuance of the Notice and said payment shall be in full satisfaction thereby releasing the
person named from prosecution for the said alleged violation.
111) Nothing in this by-law requires the MJSB to issue a Notice of Alleged Violation in lieu of initiating
a prosecution in relation to an alleged violation.
REPEAL:
Chapter 127, Solid Waste Collection By-law, of the Town of Bridgewater passed by resolution of
Town Council on the 26th day of May, 2014, is hereby repealed.