Spring is in the air, and spring cleaning is on the horizon.
The city’s spring cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Neighbors are being asked to choose a location that needs a special cleaning and call 311 to register. Containers for debris collection will be available on a first call basis. Bags and brooms will be limited and must be signed for by the community leader. All supplies must be returned to the Bureau of Solid Waste after the cleanup. Info is available at 311.
CLEAN-UP NEEDED-The format of this spring’s clean-up allows groups and individuals to identify a spot that needs special attention and work on it. The city is also taking registrations for its Clean Communities Competition, as well as its Clean Your Files Day. Household waste drop-off days also start in late April at the Northwest Citizen Convenience Center, located on Sisson Street. Information is available at 311. Photo by Anna Santana
New this year is the Mayor’s Clean Community Competition. The contest offers participating communities an opportunity to win a $5,000 cash prize for their efforts to clean up their neighborhood.
Communities will be judged on cleaning efforts that include an overall increase in recycling tonnage, community-wide use of trash cans with lids, decreases in alley and street cleaning service requests, among others. Extra points will be awarded for adopting vacant lots through the Power In Dirt initiative and for installing clean-themed storm drain stencils.
A judging committee will assess improvements and overall cleanliness in October, and the winners will be announced at the kickoff of the Mayor’s Fall Clean Up, which has been scheduled for Oct. 27. Neighborhoods in each of four sections of the City will compete for first place prizes of $5,000. Second place finishers will win $1,000.
Communities can register for the contest through deadline Monday, April 9. The contest will kick off with the Mayor’s Spring Cleanup on April 21 and run through Oct. 19. Info: 311.
Deadline to sign up for Clean Your Files Day (on April 24) is April 10. Sign up in advance and Baltimore City Office of Recycling will come collect your paper materials. Info: 410-396-4511.
The city will resume Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days in late April at the Northwest Citizen Convenience Center on Sisson Street. Information on these services is available at 311.
by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com
>
