Clean Sweep returns – sort of

CHENEY – After being modified due to COVID-19, the city’s 14th annual Clean Sweep will be returning to its regular slot at the beginning of spring, but will still take place in a modified format.

The pandemic moved last year’s event from April to September, with volunteers fanning out citywide over a week’s time rather than on one day to pickup debris. The latter will take place again this year as COVID-19 safety protocols still prevent large group gatherings, such as the over 300 to often assemble at Veteran’s Park to clean up Cheney.

Those who wish to get together in small groups, as clubs or families, and pick up debris in neighborhoods or other parts of the city are encouraged to do so April 19 – 24, making sure to wear appropriate face coverings and maintaining physical distancing practices.

“We hope to have maps and plans in front of the UB (Utility Building) for small groups during the week,” Public Works Director Todd Ableman said.

Groups can pick up a litter bag, assignment map and a Clean Sweep tote bag outside the Utility Building, 112 Anderson Road, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. that week or 9 – 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24. Volunteers can pick up litter wherever they see it along streets and alleys — but only in the public right of way — and return the bag to the Utility Building for disposal.

The city will have bins set up at the Utility Building from 9 a.m. – noon on April 24 for residents to dispose of household trash, building materials and metals. There will also be free disposal of household hazardous waste materials at the Recycling Center, 100 Anderson Road.

Materials that can be disposed of are household cleaners, solvents, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, oil-based paints, antifreeze, brake or transmission fluids, pesticides, pool cleaners and other products. Clean Harbor Environmental Services is conducting the collection and disposal.

The city has worked with Les Schwab Tires to once again provide free passenger tire disposal from 9 a.m. – noon, April 24. Truck and farm tires, mounted tires are also accepted for a small fee, along with batteries.

From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. there will be a prescription drug take-back event at the library, 610 1st Street. This will be a drive-thru event where community members can drop off their expired or unused medications, with a free giveaway item to the first 50 participants.

Excluded from Saturday’s drop-off are large household items such as appliances and furniture. Those can be disposed of through the city’s “Large Item Pickup” program taking April 19 – 22. Collection of large items will coincide with the resident’s regular garbage pickup day, and items must be curbside by 7 a.m.

There is a $21.88 charge, including tax, for the large item pick up. The charge will be added to the residence’s monthly utility bill.

The quantity of material allowed for pick up is limited to the equivalent of one full-sized pickup truck bed per structure, per residential city address. Material in excess of this will be left at the curbside.

All appliances must be empty or they will not be picked up. Items acceptable for pick up range from air conditioners to doors, lawn furniture, microwaves, paneling, showers, toilets, water heaters and windows. The deadline to arrange for large item pick up is Friday, April 16 at 5 p.m.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.