Unity officials urge township residents to take advantage of spring cleanup

Unity residents can do their part and participate in their township’s Neighborhood Spring Cleanup, set for April 24.

They’ll be able to drop off unwanted non-hazardous household items in large trash bins from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the township office building, at 154 Beatty County Road, as well as in several communities in the township.

The bins are for “regular rubbish that you would put out with your everyday garbage service,” according to township code enforcement officer Greg Fumea.

During the same hours, he said, residents will be able to drop off recyclable items at Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, at 355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road. He said the center will be open that day exclusively for township residents and will waive normal fees, so those dropping off items should bring a driver’s license or other ID to confirm their address.

Residents may take unwanted tires to the recycling center that day, township Supervisor Mike O’Barto said.

“This is going to be the biggest cleanup effort in Unity Township that we have ever embarked on,” he said. “If we can just keep it positive and make this a yearly event, let’s do so.”

Fumea said 22 trash bins will be set up at drop-off sites including the Pleasant Unity Fire Department parking lot and in the villages of Baggaley, Dorothy, Hostetter, Lloydsville and Marguerite.

Those who want to dispose of household hazardous waste, such as oil-based or latex paint, flammable liquids, automotive fluids, household cleaning agents, herbicides and pesticides, may bring them to the Westmoreland Cleanways Center on a special collection day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17. Fees will be charged for that event, and pre-registration is required, by visiting nobleenviro.com or calling 412-567-6566.

The supervisors also want to clean up roadside litter, O’Barto said. He praised businesses and volunteers who have organized litter collections and suggested that all residents who are able do their own small part. He asked residents to “go outside their house and pick up just one bag of garbage. That would make a significant dent in the litter that’s around the township.”

He noted the spring cleanup event will be just a start to clearing debris from the township.

“Let’s not just clean up on this specific day,” he said. “Let’s try to clean up almost every day.”

Questions about the spring cleanup can be directed to Fumea at 724-539-2546, ext. 4026.