CEDAR RAPIDS, IA –September 8, 2011 –  The City of Cedar Rapids is launching a new initiative to improve our city’s quality of life called Clean Up CR.   “Everyone can work to keep Cedar Rapids a beautiful place to live.  The goal of Clean Up CR is to create opportunities for citizens and the city to work together to improve our great city,” said Jeff Pomeranz, City Manager.  The City is sponsoring three opportunities to help Clean Up CR this fall: a series of large item drop-off events, two litter collection events and a coupon to drop-off appliances for ½ price at the Cedar Rapids Solid Waste Agency.   Information about all three events can be found at www.CleanUpCR.com.  Residents will also be receiving a coupon in the mail with details about the events.   

The large item drop-off events are scheduled every Saturday from September 17 through October 8 from 10am to 2pm at various locations throughout the city to help citizens access the event.  The drop-off events are designed to help residents dispose of larger items such as furniture, electronics, scrap metal and tires while also promoting waste diversion.  “By creating the drop-off centers each weekend, we are able to separate the materials and send them to the appropriate recycling centers, keeping the majority of the waste out of the landfill.  We were also able to partner with Goodwill of the Heartland and River Valley Salvation Army to reclaim any reusable materials,” said Mark Jones, Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling Superintendent.  Details about the items collected and not accepted at these events can be found at www.CleanUpCR.com.

In addition to the large item drop-off events, two litter collection events are scheduled this fall to help residents get out and CleanUpCR in their neighborhoods and along Interstate 380.  On October 15, residents are invited to join their neighbors in collecting litter from the streets surrounding their homes.   Then on October 22, groups will work together to keep the corridor beautiful along Interstate 380.  More information about how to participate in these events is available at www.CleanUpCR.com.  

Also, Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling customers will receive a coupon in the mail for half off all appliances taken to the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency on October 1, 2011.  A coupon is required to receive the discount.  It normally costs $9.00 to recycle an appliance at the Cedar Rapids Solid Waste Agency.  The coupon will allow customers to recycle their appliances for $4.50 each.  Some examples of appliances include: air conditioners, refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers and water heaters.  A full list of applicable appliances can be found at www.CleanUpCR.com.