There is a new update by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities when it comes to solid waste collection.

On Tuesday, the BPU announced that solid waste customers have been requested to shovel a space for their garbage containers so BPU employees do not have to climb onto snow or ice piles to dispose of what is in the container.

BPU officials said they understand that it can be difficult during the winter to make space in the snow and ice for garbage containers.

“Customers who have left containers on top of snow are confused as to where their containers must be placed to be serviced when a three-week buildup of ice and heavy snow prevents them from shoveling a level spot near the road,” the statement read. “The BPU solid waste team members understand that customers can’t physically clear paths during the current situation of built-up ice and snow. Instead, we suggest that customers place containers in cleared walkways, on or near driveways, or even on a shoveled sidewalk near a driveway or access point. It is so much safer to access and dump containers that are at ground level, somewhat near the roadway.”

This follows last month’s non-collection of some BPU containers that didn’t have completely closed lids or had bags piled on top of the garbage bin. Last month, Dave Leathers, BPU general manager, apologized during a Jamestown City Council meeting about utility company not communicating enough information about the use of new BPU garbage cans to customers

Leathers said – when there are bags piled on top of a garbage can or when the lid is not completely closed – items spill onto the street, leading to broken glass on the street or items like hypodermic needles spilling into the road. The presence of needles and other sharp items in garbage bags is one reason why the city-owned utility company has moved to provide customers with a garbage can, which will hopefully lead to fewer employee injuries.