Nicholasville, KY Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Two sections of Chapter 18 govern where and how a business keeps its dumpsters. Section 18-2(d) requires commercial solid waste to be stored in solid waste containers approved by the city. The containers must be waterproof and leakproof, must be covered at all times except when depositing waste or removing the contents, and must meet all requirements set by § 18-5. Section 18-2(a) adds that the owner of every institutional, commercial, business, industrial or agricultural establishment must provide sufficient and adequate containers and keep them in good repair at all times.

Placement is in § 18-3(D). Commercial solid waste containers are stored upon private property, unless the owner has been granted written permission from the appropriate agency to use public property for that purpose. The storage site has three printed conditions: well drained, fully accessible to collection equipment, and accessible to public health personnel and fire inspection personnel. Under § 18-2(b), the owner also keeps the containers and the area surrounding them in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.

The reach of the commercial label matters. Section 18-1 defines commercial solid waste as waste from any commercial, industrial, institutional or agricultural establishment and from multiple housing facilities with more than four dwelling units, so an apartment complex of that size follows these dumpster rules too. Section 18-3(C) says commercial waste is collected at intervals necessary for the preservation of the health and safety of the public. Section 18-2(g) provides that containers which are not approved will be collected and disposed of together with their contents, and § 18-6(1) makes it unlawful to deposit waste in someone else's container with intent to avoid the service charge.