The Paducah Public Works Department will launch a Household Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program in March, giving residents a no-cost opportunity to dispose of up to three large household items during their scheduled garbage collection week. The program is available to residential properties only, including apartment complexes that use rollout containers rather than dumpsters. Commercial properties are not eligible. No registration or scheduling is required.
“We have heard consistently from citizens who wanted a simple, affordable way to dispose of large items,” said Mayor George Bray. “This pilot program is about providing a convenient service that helps residents maintain clean, safe neighborhoods and reflects our commitment to responsive, practical city services. We are excited to offer this opportunity at no additional cost while we evaluate its long-term potential.”
The Household Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program will operate throughout March, with one collection week per residential garbage zone:
- Tuesday garbage collection: Week One (beginning March 2)
- Wednesday garbage collection: Week Two (beginning March 9)
- Thursday garbage collection: Week Three (beginning March 16)
- Friday garbage collection: Week Four (beginning March 23)
Eligible residents may place up to three bulk items — such as furniture, mattresses, or properly prepared appliances — at the curb by Sunday evening before their assigned week. Collection begins on Mondays, and crews will not return to streets once serviced. Items must be placed curbside (not in alleys), and appliances containing freon or other coolants must be properly tagged as coolant-free.
“We encourage residents to follow the placement guidelines and three-item limit to ensure smooth collection throughout the month,” added Public Works Director Chris Yarber “This pilot program will help us evaluate how we can best provide bulk collection services in the future. We’ll be tracking participation, tonnage, and crew time throughout March. Resident feedback will also guide our next steps.”
Regular garbage and recycling services will not be affected.
Prohibited items will not be collected. These include electronic waste, tires, construction or demolition debris, hazardous materials, appliances with freon/coolant lacking documentation, propane tanks, flammable items, batteries, and any items placed in alleys. Property owners are responsible for removing prohibited items by the following week to avoid possible citations.
For full program details, residents may contact Public Works at 270-444-8511 or visit Household Bulk Items Program.
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