Lakewood Announces Cardboard Amnesty for Holidays

LAKEWOOD, OH - In a move to help residents enjoy their holidays more and spend less time worrying about trash collection, the city has decided to relax its regulations on cardboard pickup for four weeks, starting Dec. 12 and ending Jan. 6. Residents will no longer have to break down large cardboard boxes prior to pick-up.

The amount of cardboard collected substantially increases in nearly every city during the holidays and Lakewood is no exception. With that in mind, the city declared that four week stretch as Holiday Cardboard Amnesty. A grandiose title that ultimately means you'll have to worry a little less about your holiday trash collection.

When you do set your cardboard boxes out, put smaller boxes inside larger ones. During stormy, high wind periods, the nesting doll technique keeps boxes from spilling into the street or into your neighbor's yard. It's an easy way to prevent a Hatfield-McCoy-style blood feud.

You'll still place the boxes out on your regular collection day. Notably, your regular collection day might be adjusted during holiday weeks. With Christmas Day being observed on a Monday this year, that means Monday collections will be on Tuesday. All other collection days will remain the same.

The city also wants residents to take their old, defunct holiday lights to the city's Recycling Center, 12920 Berea Road.

Photo by Rick Uldricks, Patch