ENN-2.11 Residential Contamination Reduction Inspections

I. Purpose and Scope

The purpose and intent of this rule is to reduce contamination in residential recycling carts and ensure customers are aware of inspection efforts that will be conducted by the City and its contractors. 

II. Definitions 

2.1 Containers mean all containers 2 yards or smaller for regular on-going use, including roll carts and bins used to collect garbage, recyclables, and compostables. 

2.2 Contamination means failure by a customer to follow the City's preparation requirements for recyclable materials that result in any material that is not on the City's recycling acceptance list being placed in the customer's recycling container. 

2.3 Recyclable material, recyclables, and recycling means any process by which solid waste materials are transformed into new products in a manner that the original products may lose their identity. For the purpose of these rules, this refers to the BPS-published list of materials allowed in the City's recycling collection system. 

III. Contamination of Recyclables

In evaluating whether a customer is in compliance with City preparation requirements for recyclable materials, BPS may inspect the customer's carts and evaluate: 

1. The presence and quantities of recyclables in recycling containers.   
2. The presence of contamination in recycling containers.  
3. Other evidence to assess whether contamination exists. 

Such inspections are only for purposes of assessing compliance with the City's recycling requirements.

IV. Responsibility

The City Administrator, or their designee, will be responsible for managing and implementing this rule. 

Adopted by City Administrator as a temporary rule, effective July 1, 2026.