For seven years running, residents in Clifton Park have had bulk waste items picked up at their curbs at no cost. That waste will now be removed every two years, with the next pick-up scheduled for fall 2013. It will still be free. “We’ve been talking about it for the last few months,” said Town Supervisor Phil Barrett of the new schedule. To reduce the bulk waste pick up service (provided by County Waste) to a biannual schedule, a vote of town board officials was not necessary. While there will not be a pickup service to take items like furniture, rugs and bathroom fixtures away, residents can still dispose of their bulk waste by bringing it to the town’s transfer station at 217 Vischer Ferry Road in Rexford. A press release by the town states that the station accepts “bulk items throughout the year for a nominal fee.” Electronics, including radios and computers, are also taken at the transfer station free of charge for recycling. No permit is needed for the disposal of electronics or bulk items, though proof of town residency is.
An estimated $100,000 will be saved every other year when the free pickup service is not provided. Other measures to save money that have been implemented by the town include switching to a different phone system and changing health-care offerings to unions, according to Barrett. “It (bulk waste pickup) has been a free service for several years, and we were looking at ways to streamline government … and hold our own financially,” said Barrett. He said that while the program was in effect, it was very popular, and residents were able to rid their homes of a “tremendous amount of debris”. He added that the town is always making efforts to review opportunities to “maximize savings to taxpayers.” He said that the fact that the town has witnessed a “significant decrease” in sales tax revenues over the past few years has also played a part in reductions at the town level. Town Board member Scott Hughes said he is glad the town will still be providing bulk pickup to residents, even at a reduced level. “I’m very pleased that the service will continue to move forward and be free despite a very challenging economic climate,” said Hughes. “The service has been wonderful for residents … and we do have other options in place through the transfer station and they operate 12 months a year.” Hughes said feedback from residents about other services and programs offered by the town has always been good. He said that the town takes a lot of pride in “ensuring a wide array of programs and services” to residents while being able to do so in a cost-effective manner. “If you’ve seen the parks and recreation guidebook, we’ve got a robust offering,” said Hughes. A cost breakdown of the bulk waste pickup over the past four years is as follows: in 2011 it was $100,000; in 2010 it was $95,000; in2009 the total was $106,750; and in 2008 was $99,000. For more information on transfer station hours, items accepted and directions, log on to cliftonpark.org.