FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Fort Fairfield Public Works Department will once again help property owners clean up their yards and homes by disposing of unwanted items.
During the week of May 15, Public Works crews will collect and dispose of brush and yard waste, large appliances and metal items that are left at the roadside. Crews will not, however, take glass, trash, hazardous materials, paints, electronics or tires.
“We know many folks don’t have access to a truck or trailer to haul away large items and to dispose of their yard waste, so we’d like to give them a hand,” stated Public Works Director Darren Hanson. “To help, we will load up any large appliances or metal items that are brought to the curb and take those off to be recycled. We will also gather up brush, limbs and yard waste that is left by the roadside, but it is important that the items are sorted so our crews can do this as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
Like last year, crews will only come by people’s homes on the date their street is designated for cleanup. For that list visit www.fortfairfield.org/2017-spring-clean-up.html.
Residents should leave their unwanted items by the roadside either the night before or by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day of pickup. Workers will gather materials for disposal or recycling and will leave behind any materials deemed unacceptable. Crews will leave notes explaining why items have been rejected, and property owners must dispose of those items properly.
“We brought this program back two years ago and it has been fairly successful,” stated Tim Goff, Fort Fairfield marketing and economic director. “Many homeowners took advantage of this opportunity last year, and by limiting the materials that can be disposed of to metal goods, appliances and yard debris, we have been able to provide this service again this year.
“We ask folks to place items in sorted piles by the roadway. Items left behind are the responsibility of the property owner and need to be disposed of properly in a timely manner,” Goff said. “We believe there is value providing this service to residents, but the costs can mount quickly if we have to sort through materials or chase piles of trash for weeks on end.”
For information or to find out specific street dates, visit www.fortfairfield.org or contact the Town Office at 472-3800.