Mainers: Prevent Slick Driveways This Winter. Check With Your Public Works Department To Stock Up On Sand

With much of the state bracing for the first real snowstorm of the season, many Mainers are gathering the gear they'll need to clear out the driveway and clean up the ice and snow pack left behind.

Read More: Winter Storm Warning Issued For Bangor And Downeast Maine

Once the snow has been removed, one crucial step that folks sometimes overlook is to put down some salt and sand to keep people from slipping and falling on the slick surfaces left behind after cleanup.

Read More: Ready for Maine’s Winter Roads? It’s Time to Drive Smarter

Stocking up on big bags of salt can get pricey, especially if there are multiple storm fronts moving through in a short period of time.

Sand, on the other hand, is something many snow-clearing experts say is not only better for your car, the driveway, and the plant and animal life that live around you, but you may also even be able to get yourself a big bucket full of it, for free, from your local Public Works Department.

Get our free mobile app

Many Maine municipalities offer residents access to free sand to help with winter storm cleanup.

In Bangor, for instance, all you need to do is go over to the Bangor Public Works facility at 530 Main Avenue during regular business hours, and bring your own bucket!

"Bangor residents can pick up free sand at Public Works, 530 Main Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, for use on icy/snowy sidewalks, driveways, and stairs. Residents [are] allowed to fill two 5-gallon buckets at a time. Please note: There is some salt mixed into the sand to prevent the sand from freezing in cold weather (5 parts sand to 1 part salt)."

If you don't have a bucket, you can either buy your own or try your luck online. You'd be surprised how many businesses either throw out or give away big buckets. So it's always a good idea to check around. It's certainly worth asking. It might save you a little time and money this winter.

Good luck out there!