By Amanda Amsel
Staff Writer
Out with the old and in with the new. That is the motto in Prairie Township as it moves forward with the annual spring clean-up week.
Taking place from Monday, May 4 through Monday, May 11, township residents are encouraged to get rid of any old items they no longer need.
“This is our 13th or 14th year doing this event,” said Ron Ball, township trustee. “We asked people to clean up around their property and get rid of old materials they no longer use.”
Dumpsters at 6725 Alkire Road, 123 Inah Ave. and 451 Hubbard Road will be open for public disposal. However, tires should only be discarded in the Dumpster at 6725 Alkire Road.
“This event is a huge benefit to the township because it encourages people to help clean up our community,” Ball said. “It also helps people tidy up around their own home and gives them an opportunity to get rid of unwanted items for free.”
During this week, township officials encourage block watch groups, churches, homeowner associations, neighbors, boy scouts and others to form their own clean-up groups and improve their neighborhoods.
According to Ball, so many township residents participate in the event that all the Dumpsters have to be emptied several times during the week.
“It makes our community look better and residents really appreciate that,” he said. “It also gets people out of the house and enjoying the nice weather, so it is really beneficial on multiple levels.”
Locations where clean-ups usually take place include parks, streets and other open spaces in the township. Mostly trash is collected during the clean-ups, but sometimes items like tires, metals and other larger materials are collected too.
According to organizers, the event is paid for by SWACO.
“I encourage everyone to get out and help our community,” Ball said.
To register your event for the Prairie Township Spring Clean-Up and receive free supplies, call 878-3317 ext. 103. Household hazardous waste cannot be discarded during this event and should be done through SWACO. For more information, visit website www.swaco.org.
