Watertown bulk waste pickup reportedly set to end Nov. 6

Watertown’s seasonal bulk waste collection is expected to end Friday, Nov. 6, with curbside service suspended during the winter and projected to return in spring 2027.

City Public Works materials say bulk collection runs through October, weather permitting, creating a date difference that residents should clarify with the department before placing items for pickup. The city’s 2026 collection notice says the season began April 6.

Bulk items are collected at the curb using blue city stickers. Items must be placed in the median between the sidewalk and curb by 7 a.m. on pickup day. The city bases price estimates on an item’s size and weight.

The service does not accept vehicle items such as tires and batteries, bedding, clothing, household hazardous waste, paint or solvents, or demolition and construction debris. Brush and green waste is a separate service scheduled from April 6 through November in 2026, weather permitting.

Watertown residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 315-785-7842 or publicworks@watertown-ny.gov. The department is at 557 Newell St. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents may also use the Jefferson County Transfer Station, which is open to county residents.

The city is expected to announce the official 2027 restart date and any collection guidelines when bulk pickup resumes. More information is available on the city’s bulk items collection notice and its seasonal on-demand bulk pickup page.