Uncovered Loads

All uncovered loads entering the Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) are subject to a surcharge. Covers must remain on the vehicle until it has been weighed in at the scale house. Acceptable load covers include tarps, canvas, or nets, and must be secured to the vehicle.

Surcharge

Tompkins County Charter and Code, Chapter 140 - 32. E. requires that all loads must be covered!

Why Should you Secure your Load?
In 2005 there were 286 surcharges due to uncovered loads entering the facility.

In addition to complying with the law and reducing litter, securing your load helps make the roads safer for everyone. Annually, over 25,000 accidents in North America are caused by litter in the roadway. Of those accidents, almost 100 are fatal ( AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).

When preparing your load, please remember:

• Bags must be covered.
• Garbage cans must have lids.
• Mattresses, carpeting, ties, ropes, string, bungee cords, cardboard and other items disposed of with the load do not meet state guidelines as an appropriate cover.
• This rule applies to all material brought in: trash, bulky wastes, recyclables, scrap metal, yard wastes, etc.
• In addition to these regulations, uncovered load laws are enforced by State, County, and City Officials.
• Violation of facility regulations and local laws may result in tickets.

Ask yourself the following questions: 

• Is there any chance of debris falling or blowing out of my vehicle? 
• What would happen to my load if I had to brake suddenly or if I hit a bump? 
• Do I need to drive slower than I normally do? 
• Is my load secured at the back and on the sides AND top?
• Please remember  that you share the road with other drivers. Secure your load and avoid accidents by taking the proper precautions. 

Recent incidents involving unsecured loads:

•  In February 2004, a driver  was critically injured when an entertainment center fell from the back of a trailer being pulled by a vehicle in front of her. The driver permanently lost her eyesight and has endured numerous surgeries including complete facial reconstruction.
• In January 2006, a young man was killed and a 5-year-old boy critically injured after a tow truck crashed into their car while swerving to avoid a tarp from another vehicle.
• In February 2006, a woman and her young niece were nearly killed when a huge piece of plywood flew off a truck and into their windshield. The plywood shattered the windshield, coming within inches of the driver's face.

Follow these tips for securing your load:

• Tie down your tarped load with rope, bungee cords, netting or straps. Tie large items directly to your vehicle.
• Don't Overload - Keep material level with the truck bed or trailer if at all possible - in addition to tying down your net, canvas or tarp. 
• Put lighter weight things at the bottom of the load.
• Plan your route in advance to avoid bumpy dirt roads, fast moving highways or potholes.
• Always double-check to make sure your load is secured. It is a good idea to stop after a few miles to check if your tarp or tie-downs have loosened.

Do your part to make sure no one else is injured or killed by unsecured loads:

• Take the time to secure your load and report people who don't secure theirs.
• Call 911 if you see a load that is imminently hazardous - like unsecured lumber on a lumber rack or a precariously perched wheel barrow, or if something dangerous has or is about to happen.
• Call 273-6632 if you see litter or other small debris come out of a vehicle. If possible, please be sure to note the license number of the vehicle.