LITTER CONTROL ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to prevent littering and the improper disposal of waste within the Town of Paleto Bay, preserve the natural beauty of the community, protect public health and wildlife, maintain clean public spaces, and promote civic pride among residents and visitors.

The Town finds that litter is detrimental to the environment, creates safety hazards, increases maintenance costs, and diminishes the quality of life for all who live in or visit Paleto Bay.

Section 2. Definitions 

Litter means any discarded, abandoned, or improperly disposed material, including but not limited to paper, plastic, glass, metal, food waste, cigarette butts, cans, bottles, packaging, yard waste, newspapers, flyers, or any other refuse.

Public Place means any street, sidewalk, alley, park, beach, trail, public building, parking area, right-of-way, or other property owned or maintained by the Town.

Vehicle Operator means any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle from which litter is discarded.

Waste Receptacle means any container designated for the collection and disposal of trash or recyclable materials.

Section 3. Prohibited Conduct 

No person shall:

1. Throw, drop, place, deposit, or abandon litter on any public place or private property except in an authorized waste receptacle.

2. Sweep or deposit litter into any street, gutter, storm drain, ditch, or waterway.

3. Leave trash beside an overflowing receptacle when another suitable disposal option is reasonably available.

4. Scatter waste from garbage containers in a manner that allows it to become windblown or accessible to animals.

5. Dispose of cigarettes, cigars, or smoking materials onto public property unless fully extinguished and placed in an approved receptacle.

6. Distribute advertising materials in a manner that intentionally creates litter.

Section 4. Responsibility of Vehicle Operators 

No driver or passenger of any vehicle shall throw or permit the throwing of litter onto any roadway or adjacent property.

All loads transported within the Town shall be secured to prevent debris from escaping during transit.

The registered owner of a vehicle may be presumed responsible for litter discarded from that vehicle unless evidence establishes otherwise.

Section 5. Commercial Establishments 

Businesses shall maintain the areas immediately surrounding their premises in a reasonably clean condition and provide suitable waste receptacles for customers when appropriate.

Owners shall regularly empty receptacles to prevent overflow.

Section 6. Construction and Work Sites 

Contractors and property owners shall prevent debris generated during construction, landscaping, or maintenance activities from entering public streets or neighboring properties.

Waste shall be collected and properly disposed of on a regular basis.

Section 7. Special Events 

Organizers of festivals, parades, markets, concerts, or similar events shall provide adequate trash and recycling containers and shall ensure cleanup of the event area within a reasonable time following its conclusion.

Failure to adequately clean the event area may result in denial of future permits or recovery of cleanup costs.

Section 8. Waterways and Natural Areas 

No person shall dispose of litter into:

• Rivers;

• Lakes;

• Beaches;

• Creeks;

• Storm drains;

• Wetlands;

• Forested areas;

• Wildlife habitats.

Such violations may be subject to enhanced enforcement due to environmental impact.

Section 9. Property Owner Responsibilities 

Property owners shall make reasonable efforts to maintain their property free from excessive accumulations of litter.

Victims of littering by unknown persons shall not be presumed responsible solely because litter is found on their property.

Section 10. Community Cleanup Activities 

Nothing in this ordinance prohibits volunteer cleanup events, roadside beautification projects, school initiatives, or environmental stewardship programs authorized or supported by the Town.