Proposed changes could reshape garbage pickup in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, NY (WRGB)- Schenectady city leaders are considering more changes to their garbage collection system. This comes after last year’s bulk item sticker program was put on hold.

Under the proposed changes, there would be tiered service levels and limits on how much residents can throw away.

The tiered service model would require residents to buy 45-gallon trash bins.

The sticker program that launched last year aimed to clean up streets by charging for disposal of large items.

The city found that residents were putting out a lot of waste, costing tax dollars.

CBS6 spoke with city council candidate Rachael Ward. Ward is advocating for residents against the changes.

She says the sticker program created more problems than it solved, leaving a lot of residents confused on how the system actually works.

“Essentially what my fear is that people won’t be able to measure their output. So, you know, if they have too much garbage, there’s always a fear of illegal dumping.,” Ward said.

Ward believes the proposed changes should be tested before anything becomes permanent.

“Any good program, if you’re gonna really roll it out, you really need to test it in the neighborhood first. At least on a small term basis. See if it’s really effective, if people can respond to it, and then roll it out citywide.”

Current city councilman John Mootooveren says the city is already taking a step back to evaluate the system.

Following a public hearing in December, the council suspended fees on excess residential waste and bulky items.

In a Facebook post dated March 20th, the councilman said garbage stickers are not currently required, residents are advised not to purchase them, and regular trash collection will continue without interruption.

Mootooveren says the sticker requirement is expected to resume June 19th unless otherwise states.

CB6S has reached out to the mayor’s office on the proposed changes.