By Glenn Rolfe

SEAFORD — A sure sign of spring will arrive with the city’s annual Clean Up Week from May 13-17.

Each year, officials schedule the week to improve the city’s appearance. During the five days, the Public Works Department will haul away acceptable unwanted materials at no charge for residents.

“The Clean Up Week is probably the most-liked service that the city provides. People love it,” said Mayor David Genshaw. “There is always a little bit of abuse. But, overall, it is a well-loved service.”

Curbside pickup is divided as follows:

• May 13 — East of Front Street and Mearfield
• May 14 — Front Street to the railroad tracks, including Virginia Commons, Wilmar Village and Hurley Heights
• May 15 — Railroad tracks to Nylon Boulevard
• May 16 — Martin Farms, Westview and Parsons Village
• May 17 — Woodside Manor, Reserves at Belle Ayre and Governor’s Grant

On April 23, City Council approved $23,700 for these services to Casella Waste Systems, the lowest of two bidders. Republic Services submitted a bid of $24,900.

Public works director Berley Mears said Casella was the contractor for last year’s Clean Up Week, at the same price.

“Same contractor we had last year, and (Casella) also does our monthly pickup,” he said.

Filled bags and containers should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Containers will not be returned.

Materials to be picked up must be placed on the curb no later than 8:30 a.m. on a resident’s scheduled day.

Heavy items, like stoves, furniture and cement pipes, will be collected separately. Freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners or other appliances that contain or may have contained freon will not be picked up.

Leaves, limbs and grass clippings will not be taken during Clean Up Week. That pickup will resume the following week.

Also, for proper disposal of hazardous waste, contact the Delaware Solid Waste Authority at 800-404-7080.

Mayor Genshaw said he and his family look forward to tidying up.

“For me, for many years, up until last year, I did not have a pickup truck. So, to haul lumber to the dump or a rotten picnic table, Clean Up Week was essential for me and my parents, who did not have a pickup truck,” he said.

“I always look at the senior citizen or someone who doesn’t have a pickup truck. This is a huge deal, to be able to just drag something to your curb. ... It is a mountain of an undertaking for the city to do, but I think there is a lot of positive to it, also.”

The mayor noted that there is a flip side.

“On the other side of that coin is that my wife loves it because she goes out and treasure hunts,” he said. “So, the 15 items we put out on the street, she collects 20 items and brings them back to our house. You know, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”