Binghamton “Free” Trash Deal Ending

A brief free garbage collection program in Binghamton is almost over.

City workers have been hauling away tons of foul-smelling trash that had accumulated for years in homes, apartments and yards.

The break on trash fees started August 1. It's scheduled to end on Friday.

Public works employees and trucks have been overwhelmed by the amount of garbage that's been left on curbs in many neighborhoods.

Some workers said they've been advised that some building owners were bringing in trash from their properties outside the city to avoid hauling fees.

Employees have had close encounters with cockroach- and bedbug-infested items.

In some parts of the city, they say the streets seemed to be lined with as much garbage as was seen in the aftermath of the 2011 flooding.

Some residents have been putting TV sets and other electronics items out for pickup, despite rules prohibiting them.

Weary public works employees have been putting in longer-than-usual hours to haul away the huge piles of trash.

Mayor Richard David said on one of the free collection days, city crews collected more than three times the amount of garbage they would have on a typical day.

Some workers have been told city officials may consider extending the free trash collection program.

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