§ 7-102. Findings and declaration of public policy.

(a) Findings.

The Mayor and City Council finds that:

(1) the dumping of waste and other material is a sickening blight on the streets, sidewalks, parks, open spaces, and waters of the City;

(2) as the available amount of landfill space decreases, incidents of dumping have increased, most notoriously (though not exclusively) by those involved in the construction business; and

(3) this dumping of waste, as well as its collection and transportation, is a serious threat to the environment and the health, welfare, safety, peace, and comfort of the City's inhabitants.

(b) Policy.

The Mayor and City Council declares as a matter of policy that, to eliminate these hazards, it is necessary to:

(1) strictly regulate the collection, transportation, and disposal of all waste in the City;

(2) expand the prohibitions against illegal dumping; and

(3) increase the penalties for violations.

(c) Commissioner to regulate.

Because of the serious health and environmental consequences, the Commissioner of Health is granted jurisdiction over the collection, transportation, and disposition of waste by commercial haulers and other persons in the City.