A minute with the Mayor: Blight is an ongoing battle in Norwich

 

By Mayor Peter Nystrom,

As I meet with or run into residents each week around Norwich, a topic that is regularly brought up is our community’s ongoing challenge of blight. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, far too many people are not doing their part and leaving refuse in their yards, on the curb, or our sidewalks.

Not only is this an unpleasant and unnecessary situation; it is illegal. But there is a very easy, free solution to this issue that I strongly encourage everyone to consider as we all spend more time outdoors in the nicer weather.

Residents of Norwich who are served by Willimantic Waste are entitled to two bulky waste collections per calendar year. For multi-family dwellings, each unit is entitled to two bulky waste collections per calendar year. Call Willimantic Waste Paper at (860) 423-4527 to schedule your bulky waste collection.

Any resident who places bulky waste outside of their home without scheduling an appointment for pickup will be subject to a possible fine by the City’s Blight Enforcement officer.

Bulky waste piles must be placed neatly at the curbside with dimensions not exceeding 10 feet long x 6 feet wide x 4 feet high.

The following items are acceptable for a scheduled bulky waste pick-up:

  • Household furniture – sofas, mattresses, chairs, bureaus, carpeting, etc. Carpeting must be folded and/or cut to a maximum length of four feet.
  • Appliances such as household appliances such as washers, stoves
  • Tires – a maximum of four automobile and/or small pickup truck tires will be picked up. Tires must be separated from the metal rim to be collected. Large truck tires will not be accepted.
  • Metal – with a maximum length of eight feet and a maximum weight of fifty pounds, per piece.
  • Scrap Wood- such as scrap lumber from construction sites, excluding pressure-treated and/or creosote-treated wood.

The following items will NOT be picked up as part of this program, but they will be accepted at the Rogers Road Transfer Station:

  • Electronics: Computer monitors, TVs, microwaves, etc.
  • Appliances that contain Freon: Refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, humidifiers/dehumidifiers
  • Empty propane tanks
  • Toilets, sinks, tubs & shower stalls
  • C & D Waste (Construction and Demolition Debris): shingles, drywall, sheetrock, etc.
  • Hazardous household waste items are not allowed for bulky waste pick up or disposal at the Transfer Station.

This program is an important part of keeping our community safe and livable. Please join me in this important initiative in the weeks and months to come.

Keeping Norwich clean and safe is everyone’s responsibility and reflects the pride in our community that I know so many of our residents share.