City to expand recycling, sweep weekly brush pickup and pilot twice‑a‑year bulk‑item collection; equipment purchase approved

Paducah commissioners on Aug. 12 introduced ordinances to change solid‑waste services: recycling will move to every other week and follow residents’ regular trash day; brush pickup will be a weekly sweep with no required service calls; and the city plans to pilot two free bulk‑item pickups per year with fees for additional collections.

Public Works staff said the changes are intended to make recycling easier to remember and to speed brush removal. Staff also described a phased approach to bulk‑item collection that would provide two free pickups annually and charge thereafter, with an implementation target in early 2026.

To support the operational changes, the commission introduced a budget amendment authorizing the transfer of $643,446.89 from the solid waste fund balance to purchase two pieces of collection equipment: a Pacmac knuckle boom (approximately $229,337) and a DuraPac sidearm ($414,109.89) from Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing through Stringfellow. Staff said the equipment is required for expanded recycling and brush collection operations.

City staff said the ordinance language also clarifies rollout placement, pickup timing and allowed material sizes. Staff plans public outreach including flyers, letters and website notices, and door‑to‑door contact in neighborhoods to inform residents of route and timing changes.

The ordinances were introduced and will return for final reading; staff said the recycling and brush changes will roll out together, and the bulk‑item pilot will launch in the first quarter of next year.