Free Bulky Waste Pickup Month in Cranston Almost Over

CRANSTON, RI—It was the couch we needed at the time.

But now, that affordable IKEA sofa has lost its plushy shine, worn by time spent with two babies and not enough naps. It was cheap but like most cheap things it hasn't held up. It's time to say goodbye.

Luckily, I live in Cranston, where the city inked a deal with its contracted waste hauler, Waste Management, to give residents one or two times a year to arrange for a free bulky pickup.

There are exceptions to the rule: no yard waste, construction debris or items that can normally fit in the trash; no mattresses (that's a biggie), TVs, electronics or "white goods" like washers or dryers.

But that old couch? Crusty ping pong table in the garage? Big and unwieldy plastic children's toys? You can get rid of all three. Or up to any three items that won't fit in a city-issued automated trash bin.

The program runs through September, so it's getting late in the month. I called Wednesday thinking I might find out I missed my chance.

Things were looking grim when the bot who answered the number, 1-800-972-4545, said call volume was heavy. But I pressed a few buttons to indicate I'm a residential customer looking to arrange a pickup. Instantly, I was connected with a friendly person who asked me what we needed to dispose. I heard her type on her keyboard and I was off the phone with a reference number and scheduled pickup date of Sept. 28.

The offer will end soon, so don't be surprised if you're told that no more appointments can be made. You still will have another chance—the city held a pickup earlier this year in March and will likely offer another next year in late winter or early spring.

Not that long ago, Cranston was a dream city when it came to the cost and convenience of waste removal. Not only could residents put essentially unlimited garbage on the curb each week, the city accepted bulky waste at no charge throughout the year.

With the rising cost of tipping fees at the Central Landfill in Johnston, cities and towns have had to curb once-relaxed trash policies. As a result, recycling rates have increased, but residents have had to adapt.

The free bulky pickups are a compromise. And while residents now have to pay for mattress disposal, many people discover that many sellers of appliances and other large household items not covered by the free events offer removal of old items along with a purchase. And the city was motivated to arrange for the bulky pickup events to cut down on illegal dumping and blight caused by abandoned junk piling up outside of problem houses and random spots.

Related links: City of Cranston website.

City Announces Overflow Trash Bag, Free Bulky Pickup Program