Spring Clean Without Adding to Landfills

Whether inside or out, spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get organized for the rest of the year. One of the biggest motivators for people to do spring cleaning is getting rid of the clutter.

And, with Earth Day on April 22, what better time to think about ways to get rid of stuff without sending it to a landfill?

Once you’ve tackled your spring cleaning and de-cluttering, what do you do with all the stuff you no longer have use for? Ellen Young, Avon's and Recycling Coordinator, is in charge of coordinating programs within the city for beautification as well as recycling.

A number of activities are planned for the coming weeks designed to help Avon residents dispose of items properly and securely.

The city will host an Electronics Round-up in the parking lot on Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. E-Scrap Solutions will have a semi-trailer onsite and will take all electronics, except TVs and bubble monitors.

“They will have a staff of about six to take the equipment from residents’ cars, so people can pull in from one end of the parking lot drop off their material and exit from the other end of the parking lot,” Young said.

Do you have a lot of paper clutter to get rid of? On Saturday, June 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. when Shredding Network will be at City Hall to shred residents’ sensitive documents. 

More recycling information can be found on the City of Avon website. The recycling department has information on how to dispose of hazardous household materials such as such as paints, adhesives, oil filters, propane tanks, aerosol cans and acids.

Young is working with area businesses and residents for the city’s annual Pride Day initiative. Over the years, she has found that limiting the city-wide clean-up and beautification effort to one day has cost the effort valuable volunteers who are not all available at the same time or on the same day. 

Young has proposed a solution to have Pride Day take place over the period of a week. 

“One of the local churches is approaching their membership now to see if they can put together a project task force of sorts,” she said. “That group will make deliberate searches for areas in the city that can be safely cleaned and/or beautified.  I’ll also be talking to the schools about student clean-ups and I have local businesses who have committed to helping with donations of materials such as roll-off containers, flowers, soil, mulch, coupons, tickets to games, etc.”

According to Young, the city is donating the loge for Community Day at on Wednesday, June 15.  Anyone who participates during the Pride Days weekend of May 21 and 22 will be entered in a drawing for the loge. 

“Also, everyone who volunteers will be invited to a BMX performance at the city’s Skate Park by some very talented young men, a couple of whom have competed nationally and are still making appearances in national magazines that cater to enthusiasts of that sport,” said Young.

If you are interested in selling some of your goods for a little extra cash this summer, Avon’s annual city wide yard sale, Aunt Teak and Uncle Junque will be held  June 25 and26. This is traditionally the weekend Avon residents have garage sales. Registration is available from the French Creek Merchants Association.  

You can peddle your wares at local consignment shops in the area including ,  and . Goodwill is happy to take your unwanted clothing and housewares off your hands. Building and home improvement materials and tools can be donated to the Lorain County Habitat for Humanity ReStore.