Rochester City Pauses Bulk Refuse Collection During Coronavirus Outbreak

Press release from the City of Rochester:

April 2, 2020

(Thursday, April 2, 2020) – Effective Monday, April 6, the City of Rochester’s Department of Environmental Services will pause bulk refuse collection until further notice. Normal refuse and recycling collection will remain on schedule. In order to be collected, all materials must fit in
the customer’s green refuse or blue recycling toter. This change is being made to keep the refuse collection process as simple and easy as possible for both residents and collection workers.

“By simplifying the collection process for refuse and recycling, we are making it easier to provide and maintain this vital service as we all deal with COVID-19,” said DES Commissioner Norman Jones. “Bulk items like furniture, tree branches, etcetera that can be safely stored in your home,
or on your property, should be kept until this crisis passes. We appreciate the community helping us ensure that regular recycling and refuse pickup continues as normal.”

City DES continues to maintain adequate staffing levels to provide normal refuse pickup and other vital services. This change is necessary to maximize the department’s flexibility to respond to situations as needed.

This press release was produced by the City of Rochester. The views expressed here are the author’s own.