Yakima holds community cleanup days following citizen survey

CITY OF YAKIMA NEWS RELEASE -- Results from the 2012 Yakima Citizen Survey clearly revealed an expectation that the City of Yakima should be more proactively involved in improving the overall appearance of the community. As part of its multi-pronged approach to meeting that expectation, the City will spearhead a series of eight community clean up events beginning on Saturday, March 9th and running through late fall.

The clean ups will rotate between each of the City’s four City Council districts. The first clean up
on Saturday, March 9th will target District 1, which primarily includes Yakima neighborhoods
West of 40th Avenue. A free drop off site will be open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at 75th Avenue
and Mead Avenue. Residents from District 1 can bring unwanted items to the drop off site at
any time during those hours.

Additional community clean up days this spring include Saturday, March 30th in District 2
(primarily south of Tieton Drive between 40th Avenue and 1st Street), Saturday, April 13th in
District 3 (primarily the northeast and southeast sections of the city), and Saturday, May 4th in
District 4 (primarily between 40th Avenue and 1st Street).

Clean up days scheduled for later in the year include Saturday, September 7th in District 1,
Saturday, September 28th in District 2, Saturday, October 12th in District 3, and Saturday,
November 2nd in District 4.

Drop off sites will be available during each clean up event and will operate similar hours to those
in place for the March 9th kickoff. Residents who bring items to drop off sites are urged to
separate household refuse from yard debris before coming to drop off sites. Recycling bins will
also be available to handle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and milk jugs. Drop off sites will
not accept hazardous materials such as paint and chemicals, but will handle old tires for
disposal.

The clean up events are designed to give not just individuals the opportunity to get rid of junk
around their houses, but to create a chance for volunteers to step forward as well.
“We hope neighbors will join together to not only clean up their property, but to improve the
appearance of nearby alleys, streets, and sidewalks,” said Yakima Refuse Division Code
Compliance Officer James Scott. “The clean up events also provide a wonderful opportunity for
community groups to donate time and really make a difference in the way Yakima looks.”
Any individuals or groups interested in becoming involved in the Yakima community clean ups
should contact Yakima Refuse Code Compliance Officer James Scott at 576-6745.

Other steps the City has taken to improve the community’s appearance include beefing up its
graffiti response capabilities, launching a fire and life safety crackdown in the North 1st Street
area, and initiating an incentive program to encourage downtown businesses to improve nearby
landscaping. Additional efforts are also being planned.