The first portion of the city wide bi-annual clean up sponsored by Pride In McAlester is well under way and its success can be gauged by the frequent emptying and replacement of the roll-off trash containers that have been strategically placed in each McAlester city ward for the use of McAlester citizens. The second portion of the clean up is a Hazardous Household Waste and Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday.

“The turnout thus far from McAlester citizens using the roll-off boxes has been phenomenal just in the first week,” says Pride In McAlester member and event chairman, Mark Wilkett. “I hope we have just as much or even greater success in turnout for our Hazardous Household Waste and Recycling Event. The roll-off boxes have been out just seven days and nearly every one of them has been dumped twice,” he said.

PIM’s hazardous waste drop-off site will be located at the Main Street and Choctaw Avenue Parking Plaza. Drop-off collection will begin at 8 a.m. The hazardous waste disposal is strictly for McAlester citizens and proof of residency will be needed. Anyone may participate in the recycling event.

“Collect aluminum cans. Collect metal. Collect clean plastic such as plastic hangers, bags and bottles,” Wilkett said. “This year, along with the hazardous household waste, we will be collecting recyclable items. If you see old tires lying around your neighborhood, bring them to us. If you see plastic items, metal, or aluminum cans in your streets and alleys, collect them and bring them to us. We are encouraging all McAlester citizens to police their ward for these recyclable items and bring them to us.”

Some of the McAlester Main Street merchants will be showing their support for the clean up event by handing out ‘Sweep Away the Taxes’ vouchers to participants as they drop-off their hazardous waste or recyclable items. These vouchers will list the participating merchants and will be valid for one day only shopping with no sales tax. Rerun Junction, a downtown shop sponsored by Big 5 Community Services, will be located at the Parking Plaza to collect unwanted clothes, furniture, toys, etc. Rerun Junction employs and encourages individuals with developmental disabilities.

Amerex, a hazardous waste disposal company, will package and dispose of most of the household hazardous waste items. This year other companies have been enlisted to collect their specialty product for proper disposal or recycling. Hazardous household waste to be collected at the drop-off site Saturday:

• Household batteries: Alkaline, mercury and Ni-Cad/NiMH

• Batteries: Interstate Batteries will be collecting old batteries

• Electronics: All electronic items. David Beall will be collecting old computers and parts for Parent’s Club.

• Tires: Bristow Tire and Rubber

• Paint and thinners

• Mercury/mercury articles

• Fuels: Flammable solids and liquids

• Miscellaneous: Aerosols, fertilizers, corrosive liquids, organic peroxides, oxidizing solids and liquids, pesticide solids and liquids.

“We collected and disposed of 23,000 pounds of hazardous household waste at our first Event in May of this year. We hope to double or even triple that amount this time. People are more aware of what we are trying to accomplish this time around,” Wilkett said.

Wilkett encouraged all McAlester citizens to participate in the Saturday event. He also encouraged them to continue the free use of the roll-off boxes that will remain in the city wards throughout the month of October. These containers are for the use of McAlester residents only (no commercial waste or lawn debris, please). Unauthorized use may result in a penalty enforced under the City Ordinance No. 2240. Container locations are:

• Ward 1: Skate Park North 13th Street and Fleming Avenue.

• Ward 2: First Assembly of God Church at 9th Street and Central Avenue.

• Ward 3: V. Hubert Smith Drive, Boy’s & Girl’s Club.

• Ward 4: Main Street and the Choctaw Avenue Parking Plaza.

• Ward 5: The Life Center at W. Electric Avenue and Hickory Street.

• Ward 6: Choctaw Avenue and 14th Street.

Residents may still use the landfill free of charge on Saturdays throughout the month of October. They must show their driver’s license as proof of a city address.