Spring is the perfect time to clean up your yard and house. Residents can drop off hazardous and non-hazardous waste during a community Clean-Up Day on June 7 at the Independence Township DPW.
Residents will pay a reduced fee for dropping off waste, thanks to $30,000 in funding approved on May 13 by the Independence Township Board of Trustees.
The bid was awarded to Smith’s Disposal in Clarkston.
‘The township has $30,000 budgeted, because we don’t charge our residents the whole fee,? said Independence Township DPW Director Linda Richardson.
City of Clarkston and Springfield Township residents can also participate, but can only drop off hazardous waste. Springfield residents must get a special voucher by visiting Springfield Township Offices at www.springfield-twp.us.
Anyone can drop off electronics for free. Batteries and old tires can be dropped off for $2 a car tire, $5 a truck tire, and $10 for a tractor tire.
Fees for the drop off is based on vehicle size, and hazardous waste is based on gallons, pounds or number of items brought in.
No commercial vehicles are allowed, and certain types of hazardous and non-hazardous waste will not be accepted.
See the ad in this week’s Clarkston News for a complete list of hazardous and non-hazardous materials accepted.
During a Clean-Up Day in 2009, 300 vehicles stopped by. Richardson said 2009 was the last time the township had a clean-up day and officials have no idea how may vehicles will show up this year.
‘We used to always have a clean-up annually,? she said. But budget cuts forced the township to ax the event.
‘It’s been five years now since the last one, and we have no idea how many people will show up.?
During a May Independence Township Board of Trustees meeting Trustee Jose Aliaga said while he was out talking to residents, many have asked him when the next clean up day was.
‘I think this will be good for the community,? said Aliaga.
Richardson said the clean-up is good for the community by allowing residents to get rid of unneeded items.
‘Even if you always try to keep your property neat and tidy there are always leftover items you just can’t throw in the garbage. Get rid of things like old refrigerators, couches or unused paint,? she said.
The Clean-Up Day provides someplace for people to get rid of those unneeded items. All the things they cannot donate or have no place for.
She added sometimes people will dump these items in the woods or on the side of the road, an action Richardson said could be punishable by a huge fine under a Township Ordinance passed in 2012.
Richardson also wants to remind residents they can go to Eagle Valley Dump in Orion Township anytime to drop off items for a fee.

Community Clean-Up Day

June 7, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Independence Township DPW, 6050 Flemings Lake Road, 248-625-8222
Springfield Township residents can get a special voucher from Springfield Township offices, 12000 Davisburg Road, 248-846-6500