Staff writer
The way the Peabody citizens have traditionally disposed of excess trash and unwanted possessions has changed. May 9 through 14 is the annual spring cleanup for the community, but it will be the first spring cleanup with Waste Connections as the city’s trash service provider.
“There are a couple of important changes,” Deputy City Clerk Stephanie Ax said. “The biggest change will be that appliances that use or used refrigerant, such as refrigerators, freezers, or air conditioners, will no longer be picked up.
“Appliances including stoves, washers, and dryers still will be picked up at no extra charge, but Waste Connections is not going to handle anything that used a refrigerant; so don’t put those items at the curb.”
The other change concerns the disposal of used tires.
Residents still can get rid of them, but arrangements must be made with Waste Connections in advance. Call (800) 230-0383, then dial 4, and give the operator a name, address, and the number of tires to be dropped off.
The resident will take the tires to a manned roll-off Dumpster site where workers will have a check-off list of people who called in to dispose of tires. Residents who did not make the advance call and are on the list cannot dispose of tires at the Dumpster site.
The cost to dispose of tires is $4 each. That amount will be added to the June city water bill.
“Most of the other rules remain the same,” Ax said. “No demolition materials, no yard waste, remember to bag, box, or bundle what you take to the curb, and be prepared to show proof of residence in the city (driver’s license or water bill stub) if you plan to take things to the Dumpster sites.”
Residents may begin moving items to the curb May 8. Curbside pickup will be May 13. Any items left in a heap at curbside will not be picked up. All refuse must meet the bag, box, or bundle rule.
Metal items should be separated from other items, as a separate truck and crew will pick them up.
Construction and demolition materials are not eligible for pickup. Residents should take such items to Marion County Transfer Station at 320 Santa Fe St., Marion. Call in advance at (620) 382-5655.
For more information about spring cleanup week in Peabody, contact the city building at (620) 983-2174.