Spring Cleanup Week Allows Residents Unlimited Trash Pickup

In addition to the unlimited number of trash bags, residents may also leave large items on the curb without calling to arrange for pickup; however, a standard special-haul minimum charge of $25 for the first four cubic yards will be charged to the residents’ utility bill. Each additional yard will be $3.25.

A secondary option for disposal of large items and scrap metal will also be available at the City Service Garage, 387 W. State St., where dumpsters will be provided for use from 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. from Monday until Friday. No charge will be assessed for the use of dumpsters, provided that Athens residents supply a valid photo ID or a current utility bill stub.

Yard waste, including building materials, tires and liquids will not be accepted at curbside. Residents needing yard waste removal are to notify the Engineering and Public Works Department for normal pickup, as there will not be household hazardous waste or paper shredding events this year. The department can be reached at (740) 593-7636.

In the past, non-city residents that work in Athens have raised issues regarding not being able to participate in the cleanup. When asked about the complaints from these residents, Ron Lucas, Deputy Service-Safety Director, explained that this service is exclusively contracted from the residents of the City of Athens, deeming non-residents unable to participate.

“If you have an account within the city corporation lines, you are able to set out as much inner household trash as you want,” Lucas said. “There is a county trash day available for these residents that don’t live within the city.”

Lucas also explained that another reason why non-city residents that work in Athens aren’t able to utilize this service is due to the chance that the business at which they work charges a franchise corporation for its trash removal. The removal would need to be contracted through the Athens County Solid Waste District, which not all of the businesses in the city have, Lucas added.

In the light of the sore topic, Lucas mentioned an upcoming opportunity on Saturday, May 12 for those who cannot participate in the city cleanup.

“There is a county cleanup day at the recycling center in Chauncey that is available for those that don’t live in the city,” he said. During this time, residents of Athens County can dispose of recyclables, furniture, scrap metals and as much trash as they need to.

Subsequent to the annual city Spring Cleanup, the Ohio University Student Senate will host its eighth-annual Beautification Day on Sunday, April 29. This event focuses on a number of cleanup efforts both on campus and in the city in an attempt to maintain the attraction of Athens and strengthen community relations.

For more information regarding the Spring Cleanup or Athens Beautification Day, contact Deputy Service-Safety Director Ron Lucas at (740) 592-3340 or at rlucas@ci.athens.oh.us.