The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission reviewed proposed changes to the city's solid waste ordinances during their May 19 meeting, expressing support for modifications that would give residents more flexibility in trash container storage and collection timing.

The commission discussed three main changes to Chapter 6 of city code that emerged from a recent City Council workshop. The first would allow waste containers to be stored in front yard setbacks, specifically behind or within five feet of the front plane of a house or garage. Current code prohibits containers from being stored in front yards entirely.

The second proposed change would extend the window for residents to place containers for collection from the current 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. timeframe on collection day to the night prior through the end of collection day. Commissioners noted that most residents already put containers out the night before collection.

The third change would align city requirements for multifamily recycling with Minnesota state statute, which requires buildings that contract for four cubic yards or more of weekly solid waste collection to provide recycling for at least three materials. The current city code language was described as unclear and potentially requiring all multifamily buildings to provide recycling regardless of waste volume.

The commission also reviewed the city's first EcoFaire event, which attracted over 100 attendees and 18 vendors. Many participants came from the concurrent Arbor Day tree giveaway held at the same location. City staff will present feedback about the event to an upcoming council workshop to determine whether it will become an annual offering.