Fall community clean-up program dates set

SIKESTON — Sikeston’s annual fall community clean-up program is back this year and will take place over the course of nine days. 

This year’s fall cleanup will take place from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 29. 

Darren Martin, street supervisor, said items can be dropped off at the compost site on Compress Road between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily.

“It gives the citizens of the city the opportunity to get rid of any bulky trash,” said Martin. “It gives them the opportunity to bring it down here free of charge.”

Martin said when individuals can’t find a method to get rid of anything, they will often leave it by the side of the road, and the fall clean-up program helps to avoid this.

“It’s a means of helping keep the community clean,” Martin said. 

According to Martin, the compost facility is available to all Sikeston residents. Citizens can bring any large bulky objects to the site for disposal, including garbage, yard debris, grass clippings, washers, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, hot water heaters, commodes, tires no larger than 18 inches without rims and home furniture. 

Electric motors, rubber hoses and compressors must be disconnected from appliances, according to Martin; the site will be staffed, and proof of residency will be requested.

Martin said there are a few things that they would not allow at the site.

“Batteries or any kind of hazardous materials or shingles, typical things like that,” Martin said. “Typical things like that we can’t take because there is no way to really get rid of them.

Chemicals, asbestos materials, paint, LP tanks, gasoline containers, building waste and demolition rubbish are also not allowed.

Those who want to get rid of anything but don’t want to bring it to the compost site can have Sonny’s Solid Waste pick it up, according to Martin. 

Martin said Sonny’s Solid Waste will charge $20 for each item picked up and the things must be paid for prior to the scheduled pick up days. 

Sonny’s can pick up the following items, according to Martin: clothes washing machines, clothes drying machines, dish washing machines, hot water heaters, window air conditioners, gas or electric cook stoves, kitchen or bathroom sinks, microwave ovens, household refrigerators, and household trash compactors.

Scheduling and payment for chargeable items must be made at the SSW main office, 451 Smith St., Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.