JACKSON READIES FOR FALL TRASH COLLECTION

JACKSON -- Jack Floyd has worked for the Jackson Sanitation Department for 15 years but can't recall finding any treasures by the curb during the annual Fall Clean-up Week in Jackson.

"By the time we get there it's pretty well picked over," the city's sanitation superintendent says, referring to the scavenging that traditionally occurs after the trash has been put beside the road.

The week begins Monday and continues through Friday, although the heavy load sometimes requires the Sanitation Department to work through Saturday.

Refuse will be picked up at the 4,100 households in Jackson according to the regular collection schedule. All refuse should be at the curb by 8 a.m. on the scheduled trash day.

During Fall Clean-up Week, crews usually take in 200 to 250 tons more than the 260 to 270 tons of trash taken in during a normal week, Floyd says. The volume is even heavier during the city's Spring Clean-up Week.

Appliances are the largest items usually taken in. One household put out large concrete blocks to be picked up one year. "That's the biggest thing we've tried to fool with," Floyd said. "We had to use special equipment, a forklift and front-end loaders."

Following are the rules for Fall Clean-up Week:

-- Grass, leaves and yard or garden waste must be bagged and separated from the other refuse.

-- Tree limbs cannot be any longer than 4 feet or weigh more than 70 pounds. The limbs must be bundled and tied.

-- Paint cans should be dried out or the lid should be tightly sealed so no paint can seep out.

All the above items must be separated from other refuse. If not picked up on collection day they will be picked up the following work day.

-- Appliances will be picked up at no charge during the week. Refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed.

-- Motor oil and antifreeze will not be picked up. They can be delivered to the Jackson Maintenance Department at 412 Florence St. for disposal.

No return trips will be made for those who fail to have their refuse out on the scheduled day.

For more information, phone the Sanitation Department at 243-5691. If no answer, call Public Works at 243-2300.