At last night’s meeting of the Paducah Board of Commissioners, the Board amended ordinances to expand city services and increase efficiencies for the Public Works Department’s solid waste operations including yard waste collection and curbside recycling. The changes are effective September 2.
“We have been listening intently to feedback from the community to develop these enhancements,” said Mayor George Bray. “I am 100 percent committed to ensuring that our community is greener, cleaner, and more sustainable for generations to come.”
Director of Public Works Chris Yarber said, “Every day, the Public Works Department works to take care of the community and strives to exceed the public’s expectations. With these operational changes and the approval to purchase additional equipment, the residents should be able to quickly see results across the City. Plus, we have simplified the process for brush collection and curbside recycling. I want to thank the community for the feedback, the Paducah Board of Commissioners for moving forward with these changes, and the Public Works team that works hard in our neighborhoods.”
Curbside Recycling
Below is a summary of the curbside recycling changes effective September 2:
- Instead of Mondays, curbside recycling will be collected on the same day as household garbage.
- Curbside recycling will be collected every other week. This change will increase the number of collections per year for residents. A calendar showing the recycling weeks, which begin the first week of September, is being mailed to all households. The calendar also is available at Curbside Recycling.
“Recycling reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and keeps neighborhoods beautiful,” added Mayor Bray. “As a reminder, there is no separate fee for curbside recycling as this service is now included with your monthly solid waste fee. Recycling is now easier, more convenient, and cheaper than ever before. It will be picked up every other week on the same day as your regular waste pickup. If you are not recycling, I ask that you please sign up to try this service to see how easy it is to recycle.”
To sign up for curbside recycling, call the Paducah Public Works Department at 270-444-8511 or visit Curbside Recycling. Please provide your Paducah Water account number. Public Works personnel can assist in finding this account number.
Yard Waste and Brush Collection
Regarding the changes to the yard waste and brush collection, below is a summary of the operational enhancements effective September 2.
- There’s no need to call or use an app for yard waste and brush collection unless you have a pile that exceeds the size guidelines below. Crews are working across the city to make weekly collections for residents. There is not a designated collection day. These collections are included in your monthly solid waste fee.
- Brush will be collected at no additional charge if the collection pile meets specific size standards. Limbs must be no longer than 48 inches, and each limb must not exceed 15 inches in diameter. The entire brush pile should be no larger than 10 feet in length and 5 feet in height (the approximate size of a small car). There will be a $150 fee if the brush pile exceeds the size standards. Bagged leaves/yard debris must be separated from any pile of limbs and yard waste.
- If a resident uses a lawn service, landscaper, or tree trimmer at their address, the lawn debris (within the size guidelines above) will be collected by city crews.
Compost Facility
In addition to the solid waste and curbside recycling operational enhancements, there are fee increases at the Compost Facility. The fees have not been adjusted since 2017. Visit Compost Facility to see the fee changes.
Keeping You Informed
Over the next couple of weeks, residents should expect to receive in their mailboxes a letter from the Mayor summarizing the changes, a calendar showing the every-other-week recycling schedule, and an updated brochure from the Public Works Department. Visit Public Works for more information.
Additional operational changes will be presented in the future including a proposed expansion of the bulk item collection service.
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