Don’t dump: Take the junk to bulky trash day

Junk or “bulky items” no longer usable are exactly what the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District is looking for.

They are accepting all bulky trash items, such as unusable furniture and appliances, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.

County residents can drop off all items at the fairgrounds entrance off Airport Road.
To ensure usable bulky items do not end up in the landfill, the district’s Citizen Advisory Committee might have some reuse agencies present to divert the usable material, according to a press release.

Elisa K. Pokral, the district’s media and education director, said the event occurs in both fall and spring of each year and is meant to encourage proper waste management.

“The district’s Citizens Advisory Group will be there to greet people. They will also be helping with usable items sorting and giving them back into the community somehow,” Pokral said.

To ensure proper disposal regulations are followed, Environmental Compliance Director Tom McGlasson, Jr. said in a press release that it is up to the public to be responsible.

“Mattresses, couches, chairs and other furniture items are frequently found at illegal dump sites in Monroe County,” McGlasson said. “This event is a way for residents to take pride in their community and keep it clean.”

Although many items will be accepted, items containing Freon will not be; those items can be thrown away at the Hazardous Materials Facility located at 3400 S. Walnut St., Pokral said.

“We will not be taking TVs, paint cans, roofing equipment, tires, chemical containers or household wastes,” Pokral said.

Pokral also said Monroe County residents dropping off their bulky items should expect some gifts this year. The Citizens Advisory Group will hand out green living flyers, reusable bags and ice packs.

“We want to encourage people to dispose of their waste properly and clean up our environment,” Pokral said.