Lawrence Countywide Cleanup set for Saturday

Published 11:55 am Thursday, May 4, 2017

Lawrence Countywide Cleanup Day, hosted by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and conclude around noon, although some groups may participate longer.

“Our biggest collections come from the townships who participate with roll offs,” Dan Palmer, district director, said.

In 2016, Rome Township led the way with 21 roll offs filled, followed by Union Township, which filled 14 roll offs, and Upper, Fayette, Perry and Lawrence Townships each filled four.

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“We’re down a little bit this year from last year, and we’ve lost a couple groups,” Palmer said. “But we’ll still have quite a few people participating. We’re estimating about 400 people will take part in the cleanup.”

This year, the district lost one of its biggest sponsors in Dow Chemical, but was still able to obtain 40 cases of water, trash bags, gloves and other supplies from Keep America Beautiful.

There are 33 total groups participating in the cleanup this year, covering all areas of Lawrence County.

During last year’s Lawrence Countywide Cleanup, 61 total roll offs were filled amounting to 372 tons, and 961 trash bags and 848 tires were collected.

Palmer added that 736 volunteers participated last year, and 62.5 miles of roadway were cleaned.

For those cleaning up in downtown Ironton only on Saturday, Coca-Cola and Life Medical Response, out of Portsmouth, will provide beverages, hot dogs and chips.

Another Solid Waste District event on the horizon is the Lawrence County E-waste and shred day, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at the Ironton Hills Plaza.

“People will have the opportunity to properly dispose of their electronics, such as cell phones, computers, key boards, copy machines, etc.,” Palmer said. “We’ll also be shredding any sensitive documents that people may have and want to get rid of.”

Palmer advised people to try and get there early, as the event is usually non-stop.

The event is free for all Lawrence County residents.