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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Residents will have the opportunity to do some spring cleaning and dispose of unwanted paper in their homes during the 12th annual Alabaster Clean Sweep.

Alabaster Clean Sweep will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to noon with a new location this year at the parking lot of the Alabaster Senior Center at 1097 7th St. SW., Alabaster, AL 35007. The event is for Alabaster residents only.

“It’s always a highlight for the community to come together, and moving the event to the new location… adds an exciting touch,” Alabaster Council member Stacy Rakestraw said. “We love seeing the enthusiasm of residents as they participate, getting the chance to declutter their homes and responsibly recycle their old papers and electronics. The camaraderie among volunteers and the community makes it a fun experience for all involved.”

Rakestraw said that Alabaster hosts the Clean Sweep each year in order to promote the beautification of the community and to raise awareness about the importance of litter prevention and to promote environmental stewardship.

“The event aims to educate residents, particularly students, about maintaining a litter-free environment and the benefits of recycling,” Rakestraw said. “By providing opportunities for residents to declutter their homes through the Junk and Rubbish Monday pick-up service, the city encourages responsible disposal of waste.”

Rakestraw highlighted that the city’s partnerships with local organizations, schools and community groups further enhances the program’s outreach and impact. She also said it fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining a clean and beautiful city.

During the event, members of the Thompson High school football team will be volunteering to help unload cars.

“Having THS football players volunteer each year adds a great sense of community spirit and support,” Rakestraw said. “They are ready to unload your car for your convenience. It is a great drive-through experience.”

The following items are accepted for e-recycling during the event:

• PCs, including laptops
• Servers
• Cell phones and tablets
• Satellite and cable boxes
• Gaming systems and components
• Stereos and radios
• Switches and firewalls
• Printers and fax machines
• VCRs and DVD Players
• Remote Controls
• MP3 Players
• A/C adapters and other cables
• LCD Monitors
• CRT Monitors
• Ink and toner cartridges
• Rechargeable batteries
• Hard drives including external
• Speakers
• Cameras
• Modems and Routers
• CD Players
• Appliances
• Consumer electronics
• Battery backups
• Keyboards and mice
• Standalone Copiers
• TVs

The following items will not be accepted for recycling:

• Broken, leaking or corroded batteries
• Projection TVs
• Items containing mercury (thermostats, thermometers)
• Lightbulbs
• Paint, adhesives, caulk, solvents or thinners
• Items too large to safely handle. Anything that would break a pallet or cannot be loaded onto a truck and moved around a warehouse
• Flammable or combustible materials
• Liquids of any kind
• Pressurized containers

The city of Alabaster’s focus on encouraging recycling and sustainability efforts also extends beyond the annual Clean Sweep program. The city collaborates with Osprey initiative to help ensure the cleanliness of Buck Creek and the Alabaster Beautification Board hosts an Arbor Day celebration each year. Alabama People Against A Littered State helps promote environmentally-conscious efforts by providing information to Alabaster City Schools.

“The presentations for Thompson Intermediate and Creekview Elementary by Alabama PALS will help instill a sense of pride and responsibility in the younger students, encouraging them to take an active role in keeping their community clean,” Rakestraw said. “Additionally, the efforts of the Alabaster Church of Christ and the Girl Scout troop in cleaning up the area of Fifth Ave. highlights the impact of community service and collaboration in creating a litter-free environment.”