News
March 5, 2008
Council Approves Ban On New And Replacement Garbage Disposals
The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously today to approve an ordinance that prohibits new garbage disposals or food scrap grinders from being installed or connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system. The ordinance also prohibits residential and commercial establishments from replacing existing garbage disposals that are no longer operational. City Manager J. Russell Allen said the City will work with the area plumbing industry on enforcing the new ordinance.
The ordinance takes effect March 17. It will apply to all City of Raleigh water customers, including those in towns that have merged water and sewer systems with Raleigh. Those towns are Garner, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon. Violators will be issued a notice of violation and a civil penalty assessment of up to $25,000 per day, and possibly incur a temporary or permanent interruption of water and sewer services.
The owners of functional garbage disposals may continue to use the appliances. However, the ordinance adopted by the City Council encourages these residents and businesses to voluntarily discontinue using the garbage disposals.
The ban on new garbage disposals was included in an enhanced wastewater management plan presented to the City Council in 1999. The plan was designed to further prevent and minimize sewer overflows. Council members approved a series of recommendations in the plan but never took action on the garbage disposal installation prohibition ordinance.
Prepared by:
John Boyette
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
Dale Crisp
Director
Public Utilities Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 620
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-857-4540
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