Watertown adjusts to new garbage pickup changes

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) — It has been a busy week at the Watertown Department of Public Works. On Monday, new refuse regulations went into effect.

“I think it has been an adjustment. I think we’re working really well. The crews are working hard to adjust the routes. I think the residents are adjusting as well. I think it’s going to take some time,” said Assistant Public Works Superintendent Karen Overton.

Two big changes stand out. The first is stickers. Now, residents have to place free blue stickers on the outside of their trash bins. It’s meant to make the bins an easier target for city workers.

They shouldn’t be confused with the paid blue stickers that are placed on trash bags. Nothing is changing with those.

“The stickers, we’ve been providing them to residents as needed for their new totes or private cans, I guess you could say,” said Overton.

The second major change is to the trash collection routes themselves. As of this week, the pickup schedule has changed. That presents some growing pains, but ones city officials believe are worth it.

“It’s going to take some time, but in the end it’s going to improve safety and efficiency for everyone,” said Overton.

“Of all the changes, Overton says she’s noticed folks have had the most difficulty getting acclimated to this new trash collection schedule. Luckily, there’s a tool that might be able to help them.

“I think the biggest resource is the city website,” said Overton.

On the website, you can find an interactive map. Just punch in your address, and it’ll let you know when you can expect your trash to be picked up.

“It’s definitely helpful for the residents to be able to go online, click their address and view which day their pickup schedule is,” said Overton.

City leaders say the change in routes allows crews to pick up recycling every week instead of every other week.

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