Screening Requirements

In Spring 2026, the Borough Council adopted an updated Chapter 470, Solid Waste, which includes specific screening requirements for the storage of trash and recycling containers. This page offers an overview of those requirements. Residents can also consult Chapter 470 of the Code directly here.

Where to Store Containers
Chapter 470-5(E), Storage, states: Notwithstanding the regulations for multifamily housing properties as outlined in § 470-5(G), all containers for municipal solid waste and recyclable materials shall be stored in one of the following manners to ensure they are adequately screened from view from the street or streets on which the property fronts, when not placed at the curb for collection as permitted in this article:

1. Containers can be stored in the rear or side yard of the principal building, as long as the containers are blocked from view from the right(s) of way, including side streets, but not alleys, for corner lots, on which the property fronts.
2. Containers can be stored within an existing enclosed principal or accessory building.
3. When the property has no rear or side yards, no such yards with adequate space for storage of the containers, an inaccessible rear yard as determined by the Zoning Officer, and/or no such yards on which the containers are substantially blocked from view from the right(s) of way on which the property fronts, including side streets, but not alleys, for corner lots, containers can be stored within a screened area. Any screening shall comply with the screening requirements outlined in this article.

How to Properly Screen Containers
Chapter 470-5(E), Screening Requirements, states: The following requirements apply to the screening of all containers for residential municipal solid waste and recycling storage and collection for the purpose of improving the aesthetic and functional quality of the Borough.

1. All screenings must be made of durable materials able to endure severe weather conditions. Materials may include the following:
   1. Weather-resistant wood fencing or metal/composite/plastic fencing or sheeting of a similar appearance.
   2. A continuous planting of evergreen shrubs and/or grasses to form an opaque, year-round visual screen of sufficient height and bulk to effectively screen the view from the right of way on which the property fronts. Such vegetation must be regularly maintained by the property owner and allow the unobstructed use of any public right-of-way.
   3. Permanent, decorative masonry walls.
2. All screenings must be structurally sound.
3. All screenings must effectively screen the view of the area where containers are placed from the right of way on which the property fronts.
4. All screenings must have an opening that will allow the regular emptying of containers. If said opening is visible from the public right of way, the screening must have a self-latching gate(s).
5. Screenings shall not be higher than five (5) feet in height, unless required to effectively screen containers.
6. Screenings shall not be subject to setbacks as set out in the Zoning Ordinance.
7. Screenings shall not encroach onto any public right of way or public property unless approved by Borough Council.

Screening Examples
Below are some screening options for your property that could comply with the code requirements listed above.