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City to replace fall bulk-collection event with year-round, appointment-based pickups
Summary
Public works staff told council the city will shift from a single annual bulk-item curbside event to year-round appointment-based bulk-item pickup beginning June 2; residents will be able to schedule one pickup per year and must follow set guidelines to improve efficiency and reduce street piles.
Prescott Public Works plans to replace its once-a-year fall bulk-item curbside event with an appointment-based system that will allow residents to schedule a single bulk pickup during the calendar year, staff told Prescott City Council on Tuesday.
Brady Higgs, Solid Waste Superintendent, said residents currently call for service throughout the year and the city receives hundreds of inquiries about large-item collection. To reduce unknown demand and staffing pressure during the fall event, the city will open appointment signups on June 2; staff proposed an initial eight-week scheduling window that could be extended if demand grows.
Higgs described the logistics: pickups will remain one-time-per-calendar-year per household, items must generally be four feet or less for truck loading and staff will encourage residents to “bag, bundle, box, or tie” material to reduce cleanup and improve loading efficiency. He said the appointment option will reduce extended curbside piles that sometimes remain for weeks during the current seven-week event.
The service will replace the prior large fall event; hazardous household waste and brush drop-off programs will continue on their existing schedules. Higgs said the city will send reminder emails and calls before appointments and that the program could help code-enforcement efforts by offering a cleanup option to residents cited for yard or pile issues.
Council members asked about recycling options for cardboard and other reusable materials; Higgs said staff would explore possible collection methods and scheduling approaches as the program matures but noted that separating recyclables could reduce daily efficiency and increase costs. He also said staff could consider blackout dates around events such as Halloween to avoid placing bulky piles where children might be affected.
The presentation was informational and no council action was required; staff will proceed to implement the signup system and outreach materials ahead of the June 2 launch.
