Riverhead, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 249 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 249-15
Garbage and refuse disposal
Operative Text
A. The storage and collection of garbage and refuse shall be conducted in such manner as to prevent health hazards, rodent harborage, insect breeding, accident hazards or air pollution. Such operations shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. B. Racks, cabinets and other enclosures for holding garbage and refuse containers shall be constructed of durable material and shall be so designed as to facilitate cleaning and prevent rodent harborage. C. All garbage and refuse containers and all enclosures for holding such containers shall be maintained in a sanitary condition at all times. D. Garbage and refuse shall be collected and properly disposed of as frequently as may be necessary to ensure that containers do not overflow.
Section 249-15 of Riverhead's Code of Ordinances establishes standards for how garbage and refuse must be stored, contained, and collected at residential properties. The rule requires that waste-handling practices prevent health hazards, pest infestations, and pollution, and that any physical enclosures used to hold containers be durable, cleanable, and rodent-resistant. Containers and their enclosures must be kept sanitary at all times, and collection must happen frequently enough to prevent overflow.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 249-15, compliant property operators generally ensure that garbage and refuse storage areas are equipped with durable, well-maintained enclosures designed to deter rodents and facilitate cleaning. Operators typically schedule waste collection at a frequency sufficient to prevent containers from overflowing, and coordinate with the local authority having jurisdiction to confirm applicable collection requirements. Keeping containers and enclosures in a consistently sanitary condition is a core ongoing obligation under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 249-15 establishes that tenants have an interest in living in a property where garbage and refuse are stored and collected in a manner that prevents pests, health hazards, and unsanitary conditions. If containers are overflowing, enclosures are in disrepair, or waste handling appears to be creating hazards, tenants may consider documenting the conditions and contacting the Town of Riverhead's code enforcement office to report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord may not be meeting the standards set out in § 249-15.
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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