Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-63
Rubbish and garbage
Operative Text
A. Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. In addition to the requirements contained herein, the collection, storage and disposal of rubbish and garbage shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 169 , Solid Waste, Article I , Waste Management, of the Code of the Town of Amherst, otherwise known as the "Solid Waste Local Law" of the Town of Amherst (L.L. No. 10-1992, as amended). B. Disposal of rubbish. (1) Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such rubbish in approved containers. (2) Rubbish storage facilities. The owner of every occupied premises shall supply approved covered containers for rubbish, and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the removal of rubbish. C. Disposal of garbage. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such garbage in an approved garbage disposal facility or approved garbage containers. (1) Garbage facilities. The owner of every dwelling shall supply one of the following: an approved mechanical food waste grinder in each dwelling unit; an approved incinerator unit in the structure available to the occupants in each dwelling unit; or an approved leakproof, covered, outside garbage container. (2) Containers. The operator of every establishment producing garbage shall provide, and at all times cause to be utilized, approved leakproof containers provided with close-fitting covers for the storage of such materials until removed from the premises for disposal.
Section 151-63 of Amherst's Code of Ordinances requires that all exterior and interior areas of properties be kept free of accumulated rubbish and garbage. Both property owners and occupants share responsibilities: owners must supply approved, covered containers and ensure rubbish removal, while occupants must dispose of waste in a clean, sanitary manner using those approved containers. Garbage disposal must be handled through an approved mechanical grinder, incinerator, or leakproof covered container, and all practices must also conform to Amherst's Solid Waste Local Law (Chapter 169).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 151-63, compliant property owners and operators generally supply approved, covered, and leakproof containers for both rubbish and garbage at every occupied premises, and they ensure that rubbish is regularly removed. Owners of dwellings are also expected to provide at least one approved garbage disposal method per unit—such as a mechanical food waste grinder, an incinerator, or a covered outdoor garbage container. Operators of establishments that produce garbage are responsible for maintaining leakproof, close-fitting containers until waste is removed, and all practices must align with Chapter 169, Solid Waste, Article I of the Amherst Town Code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 151-63 establishes that occupants of any structure have a duty to dispose of rubbish and garbage in a clean, sanitary manner using the approved containers that the property owner is required to supply. If a landlord fails to provide adequate covered containers or an approved garbage disposal facility as required by this provision, that failure may constitute a code violation that tenants can report to the relevant Amherst code enforcement authority. Tenants who believe their property does not meet the standards of § 151-63 may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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