DPW Spring Cleanup Started

Spring is here and the Department of Public Works has started the North Reading town wide spring cleanup.

According to a press release from DPW Director Dick Carnevale, the hay bales and fencing in the downtown common were removed last week. Street sweeping has started in the downtown area and should be completed before June 15. 

"We will then start at the northeast part of town working south and the west ending at the Martin’s Pond area. Sidewalks on main roads will be swept by the DPW.  Residents on streets other than main roads are asked to sweep the sand, etc. from the sidewalk and grass strip to the edge of the street for sweeper pickup," the release said.

Here are some additional updates residents should be aware of:

• Town wide cleaning of our 2100 catch basins will begin in April
• Town wide street line and crosswalk painting will start in May after street sweeping is completed
• Town wide roadside trash and debris removal is ongoing, year round
• Town wide repairs of minor road defects are ongoing
• Road paving will start later in the spring
• Gravel road grading started April

The town wide curbside collection of yard waste will be on Saturday, April 27.  Yard waste must be put out by 6:30 a.m. in paper bags only (no plastic bags). Branches are accepted up to three inches in diameter and no longer than three feet. Branches must be bundled (tied together) and each bundle cannot weigh more than 25 pounds, according to the release.

The town’s Special Waste Collection (oil, batteries, propane tanks, etc) will be in June and the Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held after Labor Day, but the dates are not yet confirmed. 

The Compost Site at the DPW Complex, 166 Chestnut St., is now open daily. Residents can take household quantities of compost and drop off grass clippings and leaves. No branches are accepted and contractors are not allowed to use the site. Normal hours are Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but residents can call the DPW at 978-664-6071 for approval for site access during the work week, the release said.

Call the DPW at 978-664-6060 or stop by the office at Town Hall if you have questions.