Over 35.5 Tons of Material Collected by City Employees in Cleanup of Star Village Neighborhoods in Rapid City, SD

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): City Solid Waste Division officials report more than 35.5 tons of refuse, tires, metal, appliances and yard waste materials were collected as part of United Way of the Black Hills Month of Caring cleanup activities by City employees in the Star Village area. The total includes 32 tons of refuse, tires, metal and yard waste transported to the Rapid City Landfill, and more than 3.5 tons (7,500 pounds) of appliances and other material hauled away by crews with Pacific Steel and Recycling, North 40 and Cricket Lawn Service.

Nearly 90 City employees – including Mayor Jason Salamun, city council members and department directors – teamed up with Star Village residents on a single day of cleanup work in the neighborhood area. “It was an impressive effort. It took a great deal of coordination and hard work” said Mayor Salamun. “I was proud seeing the combined effort of our city staff as well as the contractors who donated their time and resources.

“We had great response, not only from City employees in teaming up on a United Way Month of Caring project, but the residents of the Star Village area were very responsive and helpful as we gathered up materials from homes and cleaned out vacant sheds and buildings.”

The Rapid City Police Department took to social media Friday night, also declaring the day’s efforts ‘impressive’. “We were more than happy to participate in (Friday’s) impressive cleanup efforts in Star Village,” referenced the Facebook post. “By early estimates from the Rapid City Solid Waste Division, this may be the largest single cleanup project in the city’s history!”

This year’s Month of Caring activity is the first time City departments and employees combined efforts to assist on a larger project. “In past years, we’ve had various teams spread out through the community on various projects and we are excited at the level of response from City employees who wanted to join in this year’s combined effort,” said Jamie Kirsch, project manager for the Rapid City Police Department.

 Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com