CAPE MAY – Takeout food providers must provide trash and recycling receptacles within 10 feet of their entrances under an ordinance approved by the City Council Aug. 20.

The council took the action due to a growing problem with takeout food containers overloading city receptacles. The receptacles provided by the food-service businesses must be available during normal hours of operation, must be clearly marked and must be maintained by the business. The new rules also apply to beach concessions.

No one from the takeout food businesses spoke on the ordinance during the required public hearing. The new ordinance takes effect 20 days after passage, which puts its initial implementation after Labor Day.

Mayor Zack Mullock said the city had to act to avoid unsanitary conditions that created added burdens for the city’s Public Works employees.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.