Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 144 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 144-15
Littering; abandoned refrigerators; receptacles
Operative Text
A. Residential, commercial and industrial premises, whether improved or vacant, shall be maintained free of litter, garbage, refuse and rubbish; provided, however, that this section shall not prohibit the storage of litter in authorized private receptacles for collection. B. Adequate sanitary facilities and methods shall be used for the collection, storage, handling and disposal of garbage and refuse in accordance with the provisions of applicable codes. C. No refrigerator may be discarded, abandoned or stored in a place accessible to children without first completely removing any locking devices and all doors. D. Dumpsters and similar large receptacles shall be shielded from the public view by means of appropriate landscaping or architectural screening, and covers shall be kept closed. E. Shopping centers, supermarkets and similar business units shall provide permanent, attractive, decorated litter receptacles within the premises for public use in sufficient quantity to prevent walking in excess of fifty (50) feet to use any such receptacle.
Section 144-15 of Thomaston's Code of Ordinances requires that all residential, commercial, and industrial properties—whether occupied or vacant—be kept free of litter, garbage, and rubbish, with an exception for properly authorized private collection receptacles. The provision also mandates safe disposal methods for garbage, prohibits leaving refrigerators accessible to children unless all locking devices and doors have been removed, and requires dumpsters to be screened from public view with covers kept closed. Additionally, shopping centers, supermarkets, and similar businesses must place enough litter receptacles on their premises so that no member of the public has to walk more than fifty feet to reach one.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 144-15, property owners and managers of residential, commercial, and industrial premises are generally expected to maintain their properties free of litter and refuse, using only authorized receptacles for temporary storage. Compliant operators typically ensure that any dumpsters or large waste containers are screened from public view through landscaping or architectural features and that covers remain closed. Owners who manage retail or shopping center properties also generally ensure that enough litter receptacles are placed throughout the premises to meet the fifty-foot accessibility standard, and that any discarded refrigerators have had all doors and locking mechanisms fully removed before disposal or storage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 144-15 establishes that the premises where tenants live must be maintained free of litter, garbage, and rubbish, which can be relevant when a landlord fails to provide adequate sanitary facilities or allows refuse to accumulate on the property. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to violate this provision—such as unsecured dumpsters, improperly stored refuse, or accessible abandoned refrigerators—may have grounds to raise those conditions through local code enforcement channels in Thomaston. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing authorities can help residents understand what options are generally available, including filing a complaint with the appropriate municipal enforcement body.
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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