Waste Stockpiling and Burn Ordinance Reminders from the City of Union
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION – (Information from the City of Union Newsletter) October is the spooky season, and nothing is scarier than garbage buildup and illegal burning. To keep things from getting too scary, the city of Union has a few reminders on local ordinances.
Coinciding with the ending of fire season in Northeast Oregon and the lifting of regulated use fire restrictions in Union County, the City of Union has lifted its own local burn ban as of October 1. Residents are reminded that a 2023 burn permit is still required. Open burn piles are to be no larger than 2ft by 3ft, must be monitored at all times, and must have fire suppression items nearby. Burn barrels must have an at least 15ft “safe area” around them and are required to have a spark arrestor. In addition, only the following materials may be burned:
- Dry leaves
- Twigs
- General yard debris
- Unwaxed cardboard and paper
Garbage, tires, and wet yard debris are prohibited.
On the subject of garbage, the city would also like to remind residents of its public waste accumulation/storage policy. In brief, Ordinance 99, section 99.01, subsection D states that:
“The accumulation and storage of waste is hereby found to create a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, to promote blight, deterioration, and unsightliness, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards, to create a harborage for rodents and insects, and to be injurious to the health, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the city. Therefore, the presence of waste on private property in violation of this chapter is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance which may be abated in accordance with provisions of this chapter.”
In other words, piling trash on your lawn or other visible spaces on your property will result in fines from, and actions by, the city. The full ordinance can be read at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/unionor/latest/union_or/0-0-0-2977
