If you live in Clifton Park, there's a good chance you or many of your neighbors are taking advantage of the town's annual free curbside trash pickup this month. Our Matt Hunter has a closer look at what you can and can't leave out, and what to do with those items the town won't take away.
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – It doesn't seem to matter which neighborhood you drive through, you're likely to find junk left on curbs all over Clifton Park this month.
"This year it's been very strong, and I think it's because it's an easy way to dispose items that are difficult to get in the garbage," said Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett.
Launched many years ago, the town's annual bulk waste collection program lasts through April. Each section of town has its own window when crews will remove unwanted household items for free.
"We have three areas,” Barrett said. “We divide the town into three and assign a 10-day period over each area."
By and large, Barrett says residents follow the schedule, but occasionally, some will put their trash out a week or two early, irking some neighbors.
"I think people understand it's a short-term program, so for one week in your area, there's going to be a bunch of junk on peoples' properties and hopefully for only that one week," he said.
The more common issue is people leaving out items the town is unable to collect.
"There's certain regulations that preclude us from being able to pick up things like electronics and TVs, hazardous waste like paints or thinners," Barrett said.
While it requires more effort, Barrett says those unwanted items are always accepted at the town's transfer station.
"Air conditioners and tires, electronics, TVs, we do accept those items -- some we charge a nominal fee, some are free -- but we do accept those items throughout the year," Barrett said.
For those confused about schedules and what is and isn't accepted, the town has posted all of the info on its website.
"It is a great service. It's very popular and we're going to continue to offer it," Barrett said.