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In 2005 the city simplified its "special pickups" collection procedure so that special items – up to four cubic yards of material (roughly about the size of two sofas) – are picked up on the weekly collection day. If a resident went above the amount and didn't remove the material after 72 hours, the city put out bids and hired a contractor at a rate of $100 to $200 to remove it.
However, the Common Council recently passed legislation lowering that fee to $50 for residents who exceed the four cubic yard requirement – that after it was determined that the city could do the work faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost. "The process hasn't changed and I would still recommend that residents follow the four cubic yard rule," said Ald. Bauman. "However this change will benefit those who inadvertently exceed the requirement."
Ald Bauman says there are several ways to avoid any cost:
- Spread out the amount for pickup on regular garbage collection days.
- Wait for the spring Project Clean & Green. (see dates below)
- Reserve a large dumpster for neighborhood weekend cleanups.
- Use the city's Self-Help Centers.
Larger Items, Household Hazardous Waste
Remember the city no longer picks up refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, dryers, air conditioners, water heaters, home computers, construction debris or brush amounts over four cubic yards. These items and other bulky materials can be taken to the Self Help Centers at 3879 W. Lincoln Ave. and 6660 N. Industrial Rd. The city also collects household hazardous wastes each Friday and Saturday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the city's permanent collection station at the Self-Help Center at 3879 W. Lincoln Ave.
The city's Project Clean and Green will be concentrating its efforts in the majority of the 4th Aldermanic District the week of May 29 - June 4, 2007 and in the area south of W. Juneau Ave. and west of N. 27th St. from April 30 - May 4, 2007 as the Department of Public Works dedicates extra workers and equipment for this special collection. Residents should be receiving a mailing from the Sanitation Services Division with a map of the zones and information on the program.
Large roll-off dumpsters can be reserved from the Sanitation Division for weekend neighborhood cleanups. Call Ald. Bauman's office for information on reserving a dumpster for your cleanup date |