Becker's annual cleanup day Saturday brought a parade (literally) of trailers, pickups and packed vans for several blocks to the public works facility along 2nd Street SE. Residents waited patiently in line to enter the grounds to dispose of their unwanted items as city staff, council and volunteers from Sentence To Serve helped unload and haul away the refuse.

 

Three-hundred-and-sixty-three vehicles with old mattresses, furniture, used tires, appliances, electronics and oil made their way through the checkpoint while the event ran from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Saturday's cleanup day was a collaborative effort among the City of Becker, Becker Township and Sherburne County.

 

The county is involved because it provided the household hazardous waste collection portion of the clean up.

 

Final numbers of quantities amassed were yet to be reported as of mid-week, as organizers had yet to fully inventory what was collected.

 

The sheer number of vehicles and households participating would seem to indicate there is a need for a permanent facility, although details and a final decision is still to come.

 

At the combined city-township cleanup day, volunteers and city staff were busy dealing with the some residents who showed up with unwanted and unacceptable items.

 

City staff and volunteers, who hoisted excessively-heavy items and climbed aboard truck and trailer beds to inventory and assess the proper charges, were greatly appreciated by the organizers, the city, township and county.

 

In all — as is the case every year the production is held – the event required a great deal of cooperation among a large group of people.

 

City staff was quick to extend thanks to the residents who live along the streets where the lineup takes place and for the cooperation and patience of the many residents who waited in line to dispose of their items.

 

“In all, it was a successful clean up day,’ said Marilyn Danielson.