Overflowing trash cans on Queens Boulevard (Queens Post File Photo)
Aug. 26, 2020 By Christian Murray
Council Member Paul Vallone has secured funding to cover the costs of additional trash pickups in north east Queens.
The new funds aim to make up for the recent cut backs in trash pickup service on local streets– in the wake of the city slashing the Dept. of Sanitation budget by $106 million in the current fiscal year.
Vallone has secured $71,000 for additional basket pickups in streets in north east Queens, including the neighborhoods of Auburndale, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck and Whitestone.
The Sanitation Dept. has been servicing these areas twice a week in recent months. The additional funding will add an extra weekday pickup.
In the high-traffic corridors in Flushing, Whitestone and College Point, basket pickup will go from six days a week to seven. The funds will add Sunday service.
These increased services began on Sunday, August 23 and will go for 30 weeks.
“As we continue to face the ongoing impact of COVID-19, public health remains top priority, and this allocation will serve to keep our streets clean and our neighborhoods safe,” Vallone said in a statement.
“Increased trash bin pickups, particularly around our busy commercial corridors, will help ensure safety and sustained quality of life for all those living, commuting, and doing business in Northeast Queens,” Vallone added.
