Paducah announces free fall bulk item collection program beginning Oct. 26

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The city of Paducah is bringing back its Household Bulk Item Collection Program this fall, giving residents an opportunity to dispose of up to three large household items at no cost.

The Paducah Public Works Department announced the four-week program will begin Oct. 26, with collections scheduled according to residents’ regular garbage pickup days.

The program follows a successful pilot in March, during which crews made 900 collection stops and collected 61.6 tons of material.

Public Works Director Chris Yarber said the city decided to offer another collection period after receiving positive feedback from residents. According to a city survey, 99% of respondents said they were likely or very likely to use the program again.

“The Household Bulk Item Collection Program encourages community cleanliness and overall neighborhood appearance,” Yarber said.

The fall collection schedule is as follows:

– Week of Oct. 26: Residents with Tuesday garbage collection.
– Week of Nov. 2: Residents with Wednesday garbage collection.
– Week of Nov. 9: Residents with Thursday garbage collection.
– Week of Nov. 16: Residents with Friday garbage collection.

Residents may place up to three large items, including furniture, mattresses and properly prepared appliances, at the curb by Sunday evening before their scheduled collection week. A mattress and box spring set counts as one item.

Collection begins each Monday, and crews will not return to streets once they have been serviced.

All items must be placed at the curb rather than in alleys. Appliances containing Freon or other coolants must have a visible certification tag showing the coolant has been removed.

The program is available to residential properties, including apartment complexes that use rollout garbage containers instead of dumpsters. Commercial properties are not eligible.

No registration or appointment is required, and regular garbage and recycling services will continue as scheduled.

Certain items will not be accepted, including electronics, tires, construction debris, lawn equipment, hazardous materials, propane tanks, batteries and flammable materials.

Property owners must remove prohibited items by the following week or risk receiving a citation.

For more information, residents can contact the Paducah Public Works Department at 270-444-8511 or visit paducahky.gov/bulk-items.