What responsibilities does a person have with respect to solid waste on their property?
County Code makes the owner, occupant or operator of any premises, vacant or occupied, responsible for keeping the property free of excessive amounts of solid waste and litter. A violation of this requirement is a misdemeanor. County inspectors generally deal with accumulations of solid waste on a complaint basis. What qualifies as excessive is left to the discretion of the health inspector (a.k.a. Environmental Health Specialist). County Code also requires the occupant of any home or business to properly dispose of all solid waste on the premises not less than once each week. Any business dealing in food must properly dispose of all solid waste at least twice each week. While solid waste is being stored on site, it must be stored in appropriate containers. For instance, garbage must be stored in non-absorbent, watertight containers with close-fitting lids. For a more thorough and specific explanation, see County Code Chapter 8.12.250.
