It’s nice to start getting back outside as the weather begins to improve. I know we’ve only had a few warm days, but that makes many of us anxious to begin clearing debris from the yard and cleaning out the garage.

As in the past, Public Works Superintendent Dustin Dillon and his staff have put together a week-long program celebrating Earth Week to assist our residents with those chores.

Beginning on Monday, April 18, and running through the rest of that week, the city is partnering with Borden Waste Away, Integra Shredding and Waste Management to provide expanded household disposal services to help our residents get rid of that extra garbage, large items and yard waste.  

First, we will be offering a one-time spring loose leaf pickup during Earth Week on your regular trash day (be sure leaves are raked to the curb by 7 a.m.). As a reminder, other than the fall program and this one-time spring loose leaf pickup, leaves and other debris are also picked up on normal trash days throughout the year but must be contained in either a box or paper bag, set out with your weekly garbage.

Speaking of paper lawn and leaf bags, the city will once again be distributing a free supply of bags to all residents of the city. During Earth Week, they will be available from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, located at 794 W. Center St., and available until the supply is exhausted.  Each residential address (please bring an ID) is eligible to receive up to six bundles of paper bags.

The Department of Public Works will also host a drive-thru community shred day on Monday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Borden Waste Away/Integra Shredding, residents can bring items to the Public Works facility for shredding during this one-day event.   City employees will put materials in totes and Integra will shred the documents on the spot.

An opportunity to dispose of larger items will be provided at the Waste Management transfer station located at 2352 N. Boeing Road. Four large containers will be available during Earth Week for use at no charge. This benefit is limited to city residents to dispose of larger spring-cleaning items. IDs will be checked to verify city address and no truckloads of rental property cleanouts will be allowed.

Finally, the city will have a wood chip giveaway at the material storage lot just to the west of the Public Works building. The giveaway will be daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the Earth Day week, ending at noon on Saturday or when supplies are exhausted. The chips are brush grindings and will be loaded by city employees into the public’s trucks, trailers or containers.

Finally, please utilize the city website to stay abreast of regularly available services, regulations, restrictions and updated holiday trash route schedules. This will greatly assist our crews in staying efficient and improving service.

Watch the City of Warsaw, IN, Facebook page for further Earth Week details and updates starting next week.  Thanks for your help to keep our city clean!