The City of Ripon’s Spring Cleanup Program is about to change.
Illegal dumping, unacceptable items, increased numbers of out-of-town scavengers, and complaints on the overall appearance of the city has staff scrapping the familiar curbside service used for the past 15 years.
Enter the Spring Cleanup Collection Program.
Under this new program, local residents will be allowed to self-haul their large unwanted item to the City of Ripon’s Corporate Yard for disposal.
“We’re looking at 10 percent participation – that’s my best guess,” said Director of Public Works Ted Johnston at last Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting.
His staff will manage the collection, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of May.
A second collection day is yet to be determined.
“I think we should do two Saturdays,” said Councilman Leo Zuber, who requested the second collection day. “If I’m gone that weekend, I won’t be able to do it.”
Johnston noted that this new free-of-charge service is strictly for Ripon folks, who will be required to have proof residency in the form of a valid driver’s license or a recent utility bill.
They’ll be allowed to bring up to two pickup loads of acceptable material to the collection event, with staffers being on hand to monitor the items – they’ll be allowed to reject items that doesn’t meet the intent of the program.
Among the acceptable items will include:
Furniture – Couches, sofas, dressers, mattresses, tables, and chairs.
Appliances – Dish washers, microwave ovens, washers, dryers, stoves, ovens, water heaters, water softeners (remove salt), toilets, sinks and bath tubs.
Electronics – Televisions and computer monitors.
Automotive – Car, pickup tires (off the rims), and vehicle rims.
Gardening – BBQ, patio furniture, and lawn mowers (gas and oil must be drained).
Sporting goods – Exercise equipment and bicycles.
Miscellaneous – Doors (no glass), scrap metal, and fire extinguishers (non-pressurized).
For more information, call Ripon City Hall at 209.599.2108 or log on to www.cityofripon.org.