Public Works FAQ

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Recycling and Refuse
Where can I purchase Blue Refuse Stickers?

 Blue Refuse Stickers can be purchased at these locations 

How do I sign up for a City Refuse Tote?

 For information on City Refuse Totes Click Here

Do my recyclables need to be separated?

 Yes, for more information Click Here

How do I know what is recyclable?

 For information on what items are recyclable Click Here

When is my Refuse/Recycling day?

To find your refuse/recycling day Click Here

Where/what time will my refuse and recyclables be picked up?

 All containers (refuse and recycling) must be out on the curb by 7 am on the morning of your regularly scheduled collection day. Pick up will be between 7 am and 3 pm.

Is there a charge for picking up my refuse?

 Yes, all refuse collection services must be prepaid. For more information on available services Click Here

Is there a charge for picking up my recyclables?

No, recycling collection is included in your pre-paid refuse collection service. The City will not collect recyclables from non-customers.

For those residents contracting their refuse collection to outside haulers, your contractor is required by Jefferson County to provide recycling options.

Is there a charge for picking up my yard waste?

Yard waste collection is included in your residential tax payment and is provided to all City residents.

What if I am not physically able to take my refuse and recyclables curbside?

 We offer a complementary service to qualifying customers, in which, our operators will collect your containers from your front porch/side door. To qualify your physician needs to complete and return a Curbside Assistance Form

Where can I take my own refuse, bulk items, and recycling?

  The Jefferson County Transfer Station is open to all county residents.

Does the City do curbside pickup for items other than refuse and recyclables?

Yes, this is offered on a seasonal basis, generally June through October but dates may vary.  For information about dates, pricing and scheduling a pickup click here.

Who do I contact for refuse and debris on the road?

Refuse and debris in the roadway should be reported to DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our report a problem form

Illegal dumping should be reported to the City Police Department (315) 786-2601

Refuse and debris buildup on private property should be reported to the City Code Enforcement Bureau

Streets
Someone vandalized/damaged a street or vehicle traffic sign. Who should I report it to?

Call the Department of Public Works at (315) 785-7842 or complete our Report a Problem form

Who do I contact for fallen trees or branches?

Fallen trees or branches in the roadway should be reported to DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our Report a Problem form

For information, concerns or questions about the City tree program contact see Street Tree Program.

Private trees are the responsibility of the owner.

Who do I contact for refuse and debris on the road?

Refuse and debris in the roadway should be reported to DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our report a problem form

Illegal dumping should be reported to the City Police Department (315) 786-2601

Refuse and debris buildup on private property should be reported to the City Code Enforcement Bureau

How will I know if my street is scheduled for maintenance?

Contact the DPW Office at (315) 785-7842

How do I report a street light outage?

 All streetlight questions and outages should be directed to National Grid or call 1-800-867-5222

How do I report a traffic signal light problem?

To report an outage, contact Jefferson County Dispatch at (315) 786-2601 who will contact our technicians.

If your concern is about functionality or timing contact Traffic Signal and Sign Maintenance at (315) 785-7847

How do I report a pothole or other similar street problem?

Contact DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our Report a Problem form

Sewer
How do I report a storm sewer back-up or street flooding?

Contact DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our Report a Problem form.   For an after hours emergency contact City Water Department at (315) 785-7845.

The city will send a crew to evaluate the situation and determine the cause of the problem

What if I have a problem with my house sewer?

Contact DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our Report a Problem form.   For an after hours emergency contact City Water Department at (315) 785-7845.

The city will send a crew to evaluate the situation and determine the cause of the problem.

The city is responsible for that portion of the sewer lateral located within the street right of way (usually from the backside of the sidewalk out into the street). The property owner is responsible for the care, cleaning, and repair of the lateral on his property and all other property not owned by the City.

Other
What number do I call for Snow Issues

 Contact DPW by calling (315) 785-7842 or completing our Report a Problem form

How do I contact the Dog Warden for Animal Control?

 Dog control services are provided by the Jefferson County Dog Shelter, (315) 779-5900

Who do I call if I have a complaint about a DPW employee? (Refuse Worker, Snowplow Driver, Road Worker)?

Contact the DPW Administration Office at (315) 785-7770

General Information
Phone Numbers
(315) 785-7842
Fax: (315) 782-0293
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
557 Newell St.
Watertown,
NY
13601

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm