Bulky Item Pickup

By Jason Shiggs, SUPC Community Improvement and Safety Committee Chair

I don't know how to communicate this message to the people who need to know it the most. So, without knowing whom to truly speak to, I am going to share this information with the hope that people reading this newsletter can help some of our less informed neighbors.

Here we go: There is NO REASON to drop bulk items randomly in alleys, at street corners, or on someone's unsuspecting property. Bulk pickup is FREE for residents in the sense that collectively, Saint Paul has already priced in the removal of these larger items. Saint Paul has made it so easy that you don't even need to call to schedule a pickup anymore. All that is needed is to place your bulk item out by 6 a.m. on your trash pickup day. It will be taken away by the city within two days. It is that simple. See details here: (https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/garbage-and-recycling/residential-collection/bulky-item-collection - process-changes)

The two big exceptions are: properties with 5+ units are not eligible for this program, and residents must speak with their landlord. They may possibly incur a fee. Maybe this is where this illegal dumping issue arises. I am not sure.

Second exception: mattresses, box springs, and metal bed frames must be scheduled ahead of time with Second Chance Recycling.

For the great majority of residences in the city, please take advantage of this service. And if you happen to see a bulk item illegally dumped in the city, you now have the email, website, and phone number to access the city resources that can get it removed.

Key Contact Information:

Saint Paul Garbage & Recycling Program:
Reach out via our online request form (https://saintpaul.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=33723561590669).

Second Chance Recycling: (https://www.stpaul.gov/mattressrecycling)
Email: garbage@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Phone: 651-266-6101