AUBURN – Auburn residents won’t have to wait for the annual collection to get rid of their bulky waste.

Public Works Director Denis D’Auteuil presented a plan to the City Council on Monday that starting on April 1, residents will be able to dispose of their bulky waste year-round free of charge at the Maine Waste to Energy facility at 110 Goldwaithe Road.

The 2021 spring cleanup cost the city more than $150,000, nearly $50,000 of which was bulky waste disposal, according to figures provided by D’Auteuil.

On average over the past 10 years, there have been two staff injuries during the spring cleanup, he said. Now, there are six vacant positions in Public Works and any injuries could put an even greater strain on the department during the two-to-three-week process, D’Auteuil said.

He added that with the Auburn Lobster Festival on May 6, curbside bulky waste pickup will “not look pretty.”

City Manager Phillip Crowell said the city could consider this a trial run and decide next year to make the changes permanent. He said Public Works staff are also looking into curbside pickup options for residents who are unable to transport bulky waste.

In other news, the city renewed its 10-year exclusive naming rights partnership with Norway Savings Bank for the Norway Savings Bank Arena. The announcement was made at Monday’s council meeting with help from the arena’s new mascot, Barnabee. The dual ice sheet arena at 985 Turner St. is the only one of its kind in the state, according to a release from Auburn Recreation and Sports Tourism. The arena is owned and operated by the city.