BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Village of Massena trustees have set the village clean-up schedule for 2025.

The former spring clean-up will now run from August 25 through August 30, allowing residents to dispose of debris and other qualifying waste.

Trustees discussed the voucher system during the May 20 meeting as well after many residents complained about changes to the system.

In years prior, vouchers for trips to the transfer station were mailed to residents, however trustees and Department of Public Works officials opted to change the system to save on postage. Residents were forced to pick up vouchers at DPW.

"We talked about cleanup and the spring cleanup issue. People still think it's cleanup time," trustee Ken McGowan said.

He commented that many residents have sought a solution to voucher pickups, with DPW Superintendent Marty Miller coming up with a "middle of the road" alternative.

Some ideas that have been posed included limited pickup days, in particular for brush and leaves, which may include just one day per week to do the cleanup.

When weighed against the cost of having DPW crews do all pickup curbside, village officials said the expense was significantly higher.

For those without a truck or trailer to haul large items, like old furniture, it may not be possible to take those items to the transfer station, Trustee Rebecca Violi said.

McGowan also said Miller had a plan in mind that would make it easier for residents to receive their vouchers, as opposed to setting up an appointment with DPW and driving to the facility.

Though the idea of curbside pickup is a popular one with residents, trustees said it was not fiscally possible due to the "exorbitantly higher cost" of doing so.

"He said the crews are, basically the whole time, they're basically picking up trash (for two weeks)," McGowan said.

As was the case last year, clean-up will take place in August.

The dates will be August 25-30, with clean-up hours running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

For Saturday, the hours will be 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Commercial accounts or residents not serviced by the Village of Massena refuse collection will not be allowed to participate.

Residents have been instructed to not make multiple attempts with the same service address as DPW workers will check off prior to entering.

Owners of multiple units on one bill are instructed to reach out to DPW directly for more information.

Vouchers will be valid for only one trip during the clean-up period, with items to be brought directly to the transfer station during the listed days and times.

Only one, 1/2-ton pickup load of debris will be allowed per voucher.

Drivers will be required to drive over the scales before and after unloading, with debris to be unloaded and isolated in designated areas.

No tires will be accepted.

Those bringing mattresses and box springs should be prepared to load them prior to weighing. A limit of two mattresses or box springs will be allowed per voucher.

No normal recycling items such as paper, cardboard or plastic items will be accepted, nor will textiles, electronics, construction debris or hazardous materials.

For any questions please contact the Department of Public Works at 315-769-6823.