Get rid of clutter with "Project Clean and Green"

MILWAUKEE -- The dump trucks are out in full force in Milwaukee, as the city kicks off Project Clean and Green.

During this clean-up program, crews are picking up extra garbage for free. "Carpet, headboards, mattresses, box springs, clothing items, things of that nature," Milwaukee Sanitation Area Manager Jeffery Smith said.

Typically garbage that exceeds one cubic yard, which is about the size of an easy chair, would need to be scheduled for pick-up and would cost about $50. "This is our way of saying we appreciate you, and this is a way you can get rid of your items free of charge," Smith said.

The program runs from April 16th to June 5th, moving through different zones of the city each week. "The Clean and Green (Project) is designed to pick up the materials outside of their cart on the day of their collection, so we would ask them to at least put it out the day before or at least before 7:00 a.m. on their collection day," Smith said.

Last year, crews picked up nearly 2,000 tons of garbage throughout the seven-week initiative.

Crews employ extra equipment, such as a skid loader. "A mechanical piece of equipment with grapple claws that can pick up the larger and heavier items, so it takes some of the manual labor out and it also makes it quicker and efficient," Smith said.

There are certain items crews are not collecting, such as electronics, appliances and hazardous waste.

Residents can find their scheduled Clean and Green date by clicking here, or by contacting the Call Center at 286-CITY (2489).

Neighborhood groups are encouraged to register their community clean up with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful by clicking here, to get clean up supplies and tools.