Mt. Carmel’s Fall Clean Up begins this Friday, but residents need to be aware of a major change this year — there will be no curbside collection.
Fire and Garbage Commissioner Susan Zimmerman recently announced that Fall Clean Up will run from October 2nd through October 17th. Instead of placing unwanted items along the curb, residents will be responsible for taking eligible items to the Brush Arbor Recycling Center.
The recycling center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the clean-up period. Extended hours until 7 p.m. are planned for October 6th and October 16th.
Residents should not place large trash items along the curb, as they will not be picked up.
During this month’s Ask The Mayor program on WSJD, Mayor Joe Judge explained that Republic Services has moved away from curbside collection for similar clean-up programs in a number of communities because of the expense involved.
Judge said Mt. Carmel’s contract with Republic Services requires two big-trash events each year but does not specify that those events must include curbside collection.
Under the new system, Mt. Carmel residents can make as many trips to the recycling center as necessary during the Fall Clean Up period. Residents will need to present a copy of their city water bill to participate. Those who do not receive a physical water bill can obtain a copy at City Hall.
Judge acknowledged concerns about elderly residents and others who may not have a way to haul large items. He said the city has been looking at possible options to assist elderly residents, while encouraging residents to help neighbors who may not have access to a pickup or other suitable vehicle.
The mayor said another factor behind the change has been problems with residents not following curbside collection rules in previous years. That included items being placed at the curb after Republic Services had already completed collection in an area.
Mt. Carmel’s Community-Wide Yard Sales are also scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, October 2nd and 3rd. Residents can use the weekend to sell unwanted items before taking remaining eligible material to the recycling center during Fall Clean Up.