'Project Clean and Green' returns to pick up bulky trash in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The annual "Project Clean and Green" program returned Monday in the city of Milwaukee.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works' six-week program runs until May 26 and offers free bulky item collection for residents in designated collection zones each week.

All one-to-four-unit households receiving city garbage collection services are eligible for the program. Crews will collect up to six cubic yards of unwanted items per dwelling unit, including furniture, mattresses, household items and garden/yard debris in paper yard waste bags.

However, appliances, tires, electronics, construction debris, paint, paint thinner, motor oil and other hazardous waste are not accepted.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson said at a press conference Monday that last year, crews picked up more than 1,450 tons of materials.

Residents should place items at their regular garbage collection point by 7 a.m. on their assigned week. In most cases, items will be picked up on the same day as regular garbage collection but may extend through the following business day.

Items must be kept out of the street and placed either along the area between the sidewalk and curb, on the lawn edge if there is no sidewalk, or at the end of the driveway. For alley collection, items should be placed at the alley line.

Officials said this is the only time of year that general yard waste collection is offered.

Brown paper yard waste bags are required and can be found at local stores. 

Residents are advised to use DPW drop off centers or MMSD's Household Hazardous Waste program for proper disposal.

For more information, call 414-286-CITY or visit Milwaukee.gov/cleanandgreen.