Dumpster rental is a crucial aspect of waste management for many properties in Lexington, Kentucky. Understanding the regulations and requirements set forth by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) is essential for property owners and tenants alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Dumpster Rental Services, including permitting, screening, collection, and prohibited items.
Who Needs a Dumpster?
Lexington requires dumpsters for properties meeting specific criteria:
- Multi-Unit Dwellings: Apartments, townhouses, or condominiums with seven or more units.
- Shared Complexes: Groups of apartments, townhouses, or condominiums with fewer than seven individual units but exceeding seven total units within a shared development. These complexes often share parking, entrances/exits, or lack direct street access for individual units. Centralized garbage collection points that could obstruct pedestrian traffic also necessitate a dumpster.
Dumpster Rental Permits and Regulations
Obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to regulations is paramount to avoid fines and ensure proper waste disposal:
- Permitting Process: A permit from LFUCG is mandatory before placing a dumpster. The establishment or dumpster rental company must request a permit. New tenants/owners inheriting an existing dumpster must obtain a new permit in their name.
- Site Inspection: A Waste Management inspector will assess the proposed dumpster location for screening, overhead obstructions, and truck accessibility. Permit issuance is contingent upon meeting these standards. Necessary improvements will be outlined if the site is deemed unacceptable, requiring a re-inspection after corrections.
- Permit Fees: A $25 fee applies to approved dumpster permits.
- Non-Compliance: Unpermitted dumpsters will not be serviced and may incur fines ranging from $25 to $500.
Dumpster Enclosure and Screening Requirements
Proper screening ensures the dumpster area remains aesthetically pleasing and safe:
- Three-Sided Enclosure: Dumpster areas must have three sides enclosed using materials like stone, brick, block, wood, or a continuous evergreen planting.
- Access Opening: A minimum 12-foot wide opening is required for dumpster removal during collection. Each additional dumpster necessitates an extra 10 feet of width.
- Barrier Posts: Two fixed barrier guard posts are mandatory for all screened dumpster enclosures.
- Pre-Approval: All dumpster enclosure plans must receive prior approval from LFUCG. The Dumpster Service Guide provides details on pad area requirements.
Dumpster Collection Service
Understanding collection schedules and regulations ensures timely and efficient waste removal:
- Accessibility: Dumpsters must be accessible 24/7 for collection.
- Collection Frequency: The city provides two weekly collections for 2, 4, 6, and 8-yard dumpsters.
- Extra Collections: Additional collections can be scheduled online for a $50 fee, subject to schedule availability. Payment is required before scheduling.
- Excluded Dumpsters: Dumpsters filled by compactors, temporary construction containers, or dumpsters on casters are not serviced.
Holiday Collection Schedule
Collection schedules are adjusted for holidays:
- Monday/Tuesday Holidays: Collection occurs the day after the holiday.
- Thursday/Friday Holidays: Collection occurs the Wednesday before the holiday.
Service Regulations and Potential Issues
Several factors can impede dumpster service:
- Obstructed Access: Blocked access due to vehicles or other obstacles may prevent collection. While drivers may attempt to return if their schedule allows, collection may be deferred to the next scheduled day.
- Overfilled Dumpsters: Exceeding the truck’s lifting capacity will prevent collection.
- Prohibited Materials: Dumpsters containing prohibited items will not be serviced.
- Overhead Obstructions: Overhead electrical lines can hinder collection.
- Dumpster Repairs: Damaged dumpsters may not be serviced until repaired.
Bulky Item Pickup and Disposal
Specific regulations apply to bulky item disposal:
- Business Waste: Bulky items from businesses, including appliances from apartment complexes, are not collected. Apartment complexes can dispose of appliances for free at Environmental Recycling.
- Residential Bulky Items: Apartment complexes must designate and obtain approval for a resident bulky item drop-off location.
Dumpster Maintenance Responsibilities
Maintaining a clean and functional dumpster is crucial:
- Cleanliness: Users are responsible for cleaning dumpsters to prevent odors and unsanitary conditions.
- Surrounding Area: Litter and debris must not accumulate around the dumpster.
- Repairs: Owners or leaseholders are responsible for all dumpster repairs and maintenance.
Disposal Fees and Prohibited Items
Understanding disposal fees and prohibited items prevents unexpected charges and ensures proper waste disposal:
- Monthly Fees: Disposal fees are based on dumpster size and billed monthly. Property owners can request Tenant Agreement forms to have tenants billed directly. Fees range from $12.05 for a 2-yard dumpster to $48.20 for an 8-yard dumpster.
- Unacceptable Items: Numerous items are prohibited from landfill disposal, including tires, liquids, wooden pallets, lumber, tree limbs, engine parts, car parts, carpet, scrap metal, furniture, mattresses, pipes, appliances, construction materials, excavated earth, compacted food waste, metal drums, wire binding, sewage, processed sludge, and hazardous materials. Refer to the Dumpster Service Guide for a complete list.
This comprehensive guide provides essential information for utilizing dumpster rental services in Lexington, KY. Always consult the official LFUCG resources and the Dumpster Service Guide for the most up-to-date information and regulations.
