By Joe Scavuzzo, Director of Pennsauken Public Works

This year, the week of May 17 is designated as “National Public Works Week.” Each year, the American Public Works Association (APWA) chooses a theme. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. It’s what has propelled innovations that have helped our communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility. Some work, like building roads and bridges, is highly visible, while other public works contributions, like maintaining water and sewer systems, are sometimes hidden from view. Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.

Public works departments help keep communities strong by providing an infrastructure of services in transportation; water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment; public buildings and spaces; parks and grounds; emergency management and first response; solid waste; and right-of-way management. They are what make our communities dynamic places to live and work. While not responsible for drinking water and sanitary sewer, Pennsauken’s Public Works Department collaborates throughout the year with our colleagues at the Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission and Pennsauken Sewerage Authority.
In our fast-paced society of text messages and emails, we can feel rushed to complete our work and move on. It’s too easy to forget the simple gesture of a “thank you.” On behalf of the management team, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Department of Public Works crew for their tireless efforts. We are a department that is depended upon for support from various agencies and other Township departments, constantly being pulled in multiple directions, further proving the quality of life that we add to the Pennsauken community. Our team makes it happen every day and those that depend on Public Works are appreciative – I hear it all the time.

Pennsauken’s Department of Public Works take great pride in making our public spaces look great and our work sets the stage for little league teams, coaches, parents and even out-of-town visitors to connect in a well-kept recreational space. In the past month, we’ve been focused on some infield improvements at our ball fields, as well as some larger asphalt patches over previous utility trenches that have sunk over the years. As the grass cutting season approaches quickly, we are completing our spring projects and getting ready for upcoming ones in the summer.

Yard Waste Reminder

Yard waste can be placed in trash cans or paper yard waste bags for collection during Wednesday’s weekly yard debris collection. No plastic bags are permitted for yard waste.

Bulk Item Reminder

Residents can schedule collection of two bulk items to be collected on the same day as your scheduled trash collection by contacting our office by phone or email. We are seeing an increase of “move-outs,” where renters and homeowners place an entire house’s contents out at the curb at one shot. This is not within the established guidelines and collection contract. For renovations and house emptying, residents will need to secure dumpster service from a private company.

For more information on any of our services, be sure to contact our office at (856) 663-0178 or by email at PublicWorks@pennsauken.gov. Be safe and enjoy the warmer weather!