Residents who want to get rid of household junk can now call the Department of Public Works for a special bulky waste pick up.  Before, residents who needed household junk picked up had to either wait for the regularly scheduled bulk collection day which occurs every three months or call a private hauler.  Now residents can call seven days ahead and get their bulky item collected right at the curb.   The program was approved by City Council in March and residents can take advantage of the program beginning April 1^st.  The program will operate for a one-year trial period. 

The program was established because some residents wanted an extra bulky item pick up day, which the city did not provide.  Our residents expect a high level of service.  This program will meet that expectation.  We also hope to reduce illegal dumping in our City.  Unbeknown to the public, some haulers pick up waste from homes or businesses, but they illegally dump it in our alleys because there are no close disposal facilities.  By the City providing bulky item pick up service, our residents can be assured that the waste is being properly recycled and disposed.  “Reducing illegal dumping will help save the City and taxpayers thousands of dollars in cleanup costs,” said Public Works Director Evelyn Shields-Benford.  

An extra bulk item pick up may be scheduled for those times when additional large household items need to be removed, such as furniture purchases, replacing carpets, moving out or in of a residence or basement cleanups.    Only household (bulk) items that would normally be collected as part of the quarterly bulk item collection will be accepted in this special bulk waste collection program (i.e. sofas, chairs, television, mattresses, stoves, refrigerators (doors must be removed), dishwashers, fans, lamps, carpet, tables, washer and dryers).  No hazardous materials, yard waste, building and construction debris or household trash are permitted.

Residents can choose how they want to schedule a special bulk pickup.  Residents can come to the Public Works Department (3^rd floor in City Hall) with cash, check or money order and complete a bulk item pickup agreement and application or call 505-8581, to complete the agreement and application over the phone and mail in your payment.  The pickup fee must be paid in advance and the collection will be scheduled upon receipt of payment.  The pickup fee is $25 per item up to a maximum of $75 per pickup (10 item limit).  In order to accommodate each request, pickups will be scheduled 7 days after the City receives the application and payment.  Residents may request a particular pickup day, but Public Works will approve the final date.  Items should be placed at the curb within 24 hours of the scheduled pickup. 

For information, call 505-8567