Tarpon makes Saturday cleanup day

If you're doing your spring cleaning and have an old carpet, couch or washing machine that has to go, just get it to the curb by 7 a.m.

By JILLIAN BANDES
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 10, 2003

TARPON SPRINGS -- Need to get rid of that broken bicycle or moth-eaten mattress?

On Saturday, the city of Tarpon Springs and Waste Management will haul away large items of trash placed at the curb by 7 a.m.

As part of the city's annual spring cleanup, household items such as unwanted furniture, small appliances, carpet and carpet padding will be taken away at no charge to city residents.

"We have picked up 160 to 200 tons of debris in past cleanup days," said Barbara Hugg, the city's sanitation coordinator. "It really is a great benefit to the people of Tarpon Springs and to the city."

Unsightly garbage is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a sanitary one, Hugg said. Vermin and insects love breeding in old trash, and odor can be a nuisance.

The spring cleaning events are intended to prompt residents to clean up their property, and in turn, clean up the city.

"This event provides the people with an easy way of properly disposing of household items at no cost to them," she said. "You could pay Waste Management $20 to $30 to pick up an old couch, say, but now it is completely free."

Some items, however, will not be hauled away as part of the cleanup. No yard waste, construction materials over 4 feet long, used tires or propane tanks will be accepted. Refrigerators and air conditioners must have had Freon removed and must be tagged to confirm its removal.

For residents wanting to dispose of old tires, two collection days are being held at the city's yard waste facility at 898 S Levis Ave. Tires may be dropped off Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.

In addition, a separate day has been scheduled for the collection of chemicals and paint. On April 26, officials will hold a household electronics and chemical collection day at the Tarpon Springs Boys & Girls Club, 111 W Lime St.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., substances such as used oil, fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, household and pool chemicals, cleansers, oil and latex paint, thinners, solvents, paint remover, gasoline, kerosene and aerosols can be dropped off, preferably in their original sealed and labeled containers. Officials also will accept fluorescent lamps and old electronics such as computers, monitors, televisions and cell phones.

Items that will not be accepted at the household chemicals day include ammunition, explosives, radioactive waste, biological or infectious waste, smoke detectors, used tires, flares or gas cylinders.

City officials say no items should be left at the Boys & Girls Club before or after the collection day.

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