With the COVID-19 Social Distancing and Personal Protection Guidelines still in effect, changes have been made to the Green-Up day procedures for this year. It is important that everyone participating in Green-Up Day protect both themselves and municipal workers supporting the effort by strictly adhering to the Governor’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Please remember that:
All Green-Up litter must be put in specially marked bags. Bags may be picked up prior to Green-Up Day at 75 Maple Street (outside the Town and Village Parks and Recreation Building). Please take only the number of bags that you plan to use in support of this event.
The purpose of the day is cleaning roadsides, drainage swales and park/common areas and not personal yard or business site clean-up. In the past, a large number of tires have been deposited at some pick-up sites which appear to have originated from commercial businesses and not from roadway pick-up. Residents are encouraged to contact the Police Department if this type of drop-off is observed.
The Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction will only accept Green-Up Day bags along the roadside. They may also be brought to one of two drop-off sites --the Highway garage in Essex off Sand Hill Road behind the Fire Station and at a truck located in the parking lot at Brownell Library. Any tires or metal objects must be brought to the Town Highway garage. Any materials other than Green-Up Day bags left by the side of the road will not be picked up.
Anyone bringing Green-Up Day bags or other material to the highway garage or the vehicle at Brownell Library must be wearing a mask when exiting their vehicle. Although no food will be served this year at the Town Highway Garage, residents who bring their Green Up Day bags to either the Town or Village drop-off sites, will be signed up to receive a $10 gift certificate to a local restaurant doing take-out. Only one gift certificate will be issued per party bringing trash to the sites (no multiple certificates).
DO not pick up needles or any hazardous waste! If you encounter any needles please contact the Essex Police Department (878-8331). If you have hazardous materials, contact the Chittenden Solid Waste District Facilities at 872-8100 for disposal information.
Tree and branch debris, leaves and weeds from private property will not be picked up or accepted – do not put this material at the curb. Contact the Chittenden Solid Waste District Facilities at 872-8100 for where it can be dropped off.
Please wear long pants, closed shoes and use appropriate bug spray. Be careful of vehicles when picking along roadsides. Wear masks when appropriate and Stay Safe.
Thank you for your help in keeping the community green!