TROY, NY (Mar 1, 2023) – City officials have announced a major citywide effort to tackle trash problems in Troy. A new trash barrel program will be implemented in April. Mayor Patrick Madden unveiled the news of a citywide barrel program in his 2023 State of the City Address. The effort to clean up city streets will feature the distribution of sturdy, lidded trash barrels to Collar City residents with municipal recycling and trash service.
City officials are visiting Neighborhood Association meetings now to discuss the trash barrel program with residents. The plan is that a standardized, lidded barrel, 1 per unit, to be delivered beginning early in April to municipal trash service customers. This initiative provides all residents equal access to sturdy, lidded trash barrels, decreasing the likelihood of overfull containers, wind-blown litter in our streets, and animal access to trash.
Mayor Patrick Madden said, “With deliveries starting in April, these proper trash receptacles will go a long way in alleviating these problems in our streets and alleys. Providing trash barrels to residents throughout the city will offer immediate benefits to our neighborhoods, our workforce and those living and working in the city. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods free of trash and litter, and the deployment of these barrels across the city will make that task easier.”
Deputy Mayor Chris Nolin said, “The focus of this program is on our neighborhoods, because they are the lifeblood of our community. The new trash barrel program is funded by a $1 million federal investment. This supports the City’s commitment to actions which directly improve our neighborhoods and builds upon our previous efforts, such as litter violation protocols and code enforcement."
“The new barrels will improve the work environment for sanitation workers who will be able to limit repetitive motions which can cause injury. Now, they can leave the heavy lifting to the lifts on the trucks,” said Tom Abbott, Supervisor of the Streets and Sanitation Department.
“For years, at almost every neighborhood association meeting I’ve attended, residents have raised concerns and frustration about the ongoing trash challenges in Troy. The barrel program is the first step in creating a balanced approach to sanitation collection and will address this quality-of-life concern,” said City Council member and Chair of the General Services Committee, Jim Gulli.
“Clean streets are vital to creating dignified neighborhoods,” said City Council member Kiani Conley Wilson. “Improving trash collection has been one of my priorities and I’m glad this could be done equitability with all residents with City services receiving the same barrel regardless of where they live.”
Details about the barrel distribution will be mailed to all residents, even those who previously opted not to use municipal service. A list of frequently asked questions is now available at www.troyny.gov/cleanstreets
Residents should refer to that information for department contacts and other important information.
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