Crews with the City of Atlantic, civic groups and others will be out and about for three days next month, picking up junk you set by your curb and taking it to the landfill, at no charge. It’s all part of an effort spurred by comments made from Councilman Dana Halder in late April, with regard to the junk Halder saw in people’ yard and alleys. At that time, he urged citizens of the community to take some pride in their properties and the City, and take care of the junk.

In response, Mayor Dave Jones has coordinated with the Street and other Departments to pickup your junk, Wednesday through Friday, June 7^th, 8^th and 9^th. Items that will NOT be accepted include televisions and computer monitors, and tires. Home appliances and furniture are accepted, you just need to get them to your curb. Nick Harris, with the Young Professionals of Atlantic, is spearheading the effort, and looking for volunteers to help transfer items from the curb to the trucks.

Everyday trash needs to go with your contracted, curbside garbage service. Councilman Dana Halder said “If you don’t have an account with a trash man, you should have.” Mayor Jones warned of the consequences for those who violate the Ordinance with regard to junk on properties, once the 3-day cleanup period is over: He said they’re working on amending the Ordinance to reduce, after notice, the maximum clean-up time from 30-days to 10. After that, if the city has to clean up your property, there will be a $100 surcharge and $75 per hour for crews to take care of your trash.

Jones said that’s a lot more expensive that the typical sanitation contractor’s fee of about $22-24. He said the warning is meant to spur the “Habitual Offenders” into action. Jones reminded residents also to mow their lawns as soon as possible. Once the grass reaches 12 inches, the City will come out and mow it for you, but at a substantially higher rate than it would be if you hired a service or the neighbor kid to mow your lawn.

More information about the City Wide Clean-Up days will be made available, soon.