ANDREW MANG, Superintendent of Public Works

2378 Elmwood Avenue

Kenmore, New York  14217

7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Excluding Legal Holidays

Phone: (716) 875-0527

Fax:     (716) 447-0256

The Department of Public Works maintains the Village’s streets, including road repair, repaving, street cleaning and snow removal.  In addition, the Department inspects and repairs the Village water lines, performs tree trimming and removal, and maintains street signs.  Garbage and recycling pick-up is also performed by this Department

RATS/Rodent Control Information

If you see a rat, immediately contact the Building Department (716/873-5700). A Code Enforcement Officer will be happy to look at your property to confirm the presence of rats on your property, and/or possible habitats or food sources.  The Village of Kenmore does not bait properties, nor do we have authority to enter onto private property without the consent of the owner or other person residing on that property.  Therefore, if rats are suspected, the Village will contact the Erie County Health Department which has this authorization.

You may also contact the Erie County Department of Health directly at (716/961-6800).

Please be aware that, during dry spells, rats become bold as they search for water. You are more likely to see rats out during periods of high temperature and little rain. If you run your sprinkler, be careful not to let water pool on the concrete as this will attract rodents.

You can also help to keep rats out of your neighborhood by following some simple steps:

1. KEEP THE TOTE LID CLOSED! This simple step will eliminate access to your garbage (a primary rodent food source).

2. PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET! Pick up any animal waste in your yard. This is also a food source for rats.

3. RAISE ANY WOOD PILES OFF THE GROUND! Rats like to live in wood piles.

4. SKIP THE BIRDSEED! Bird seed (and bread) spills over onto the ground attracting rats. Please note that under Erie County and Village law, bird feeders can only be used which are designed to prevent seed from dropping out of the feeder.

5. CUT DOWN WEEDS. Overgrowth of weeds is a prime harbor for rats. Please cut down weeds located on your property. Typical problem areas include that space behind your garage and around/between fences.

6. DON’T ALLOW WATER TO POOL/COLLECT, especially during dry spells. Rats are looking for water sources and a puddle area on your driveway or patio will attract them. Do not leave out water for your pets or for birds as this will attract rats, too.

7. LET US KNOW IF YOU SEE ANY RATS! – Or if you observe your neighbors violating any of the above steps. While the Village cannot bait, we may be able to help identify the source location of the rats and will send out literature to advise your neighbors to the problem and to remind them of steps needing to be taken to get rid of the problem.

If you see a rat, here’s what you should do:

1. Call the Erie County Department of Health (961-6800).  The County can bait your property.
2. Call the Building Department (873-5700).  We will inspect the property to see if we can locate the source of the rats.  In addition, we can send out literature to your neighbors to let them know that there has been a rat sighting and what steps they can do to help eliminate the presence of rats in your vicinity.

Garbage, recycling and white pick-up (appliances and large items) takes place once a week on your assigned garbage day.  Click here for a map detailing the garbage pick-up schedule for the Village.

Residential Garbage is to be placed at the curb no later than 7 AM on the morning of collection and no earlier than 4 PM on the day preceding garbage pickup.

Commercial Garbage is placed at the curb no later than 9 AM on the day of collection and no earlier than 6 AM of the scheduled pickup day.

Please note that violators will be ticketed if garbage is not placed to the curb in accord with these time frames.  If you will need to place garbage out to the curb in advance of these required timeframes, you will need to contact the Department of Public Works as soon as possible.

All Village properties are required to utilize standardized, approved refuse totes. Single family homes are required to have at least 1 tote and doubles are required to have two, whether or not one or both units are vacant.  The 95 gallon tote holds the equivalent of 3 garbage cans.  Lids must remain closed.

Rat problems have plagued many Western New York communities, including Kenmore.  The Village of Kenmore was one of the first to address this problem through the introduction of standardized refuse totes.  You can help to rid our community of rats by keeping your refuse tote lid tightly closed.  In addition this helps to keep trash dry which reduces the cost of garbage collection and dumping.  Garbage is a prime food source for rats, so please keep your refuse tote lid closed!  You can also help eliminate rodent food sources by not using bird feeders, promptly picking up animal waste and by removing wood piles and other shelter areas for rats.  Working together we can make Kenmore safer and cleaner!

If a holiday falls on your pick up day, your garbage will be picked up the next day.

The Kenmore Municipal Code outlines rules and regulations pertaining to the storage and placement of garbage.  Click here for a summary of these rules.

REFUSE TOTES.  Additional or replacement refuse totes can be purchased for a cost of $53/unit (both 60 gallon and 95 gallon size).  Totes must be paid for before delivery.  Checks will be made payable to “the Village of Kenmore” and delivered to the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office.  Be sure to notate your property address on the check.  Once payment is made, a tote will be delivered to your address within 5 business days.

RECYCLE BINS.  If the old bin is brought to the Department of Public Works, there is no charge for replacement. Otherwise, additional or replacement bins cost $5.  Checks, payable to “the Village of Kenmore” can be delivered to the Department of Public Works or the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office.  Bins are picked up at the Department of Public Works.

Click here for a chart outlining what materials can and cannot be accepted for recycling.

If you are experiencing low water pressure or back up of water, please contact the Department of Public Works between 7 AM and 3 PM.  If a water problem occurs after regular office hours, please contact the Kenmore Police Department (716) 875-1234.  The Village will inspect to ascertain whether the problem is attributed to a problem in its lines or if the problem must be corrected by the property owner.