News File Photo A pile of tires lies in the background of dozens of furniture pieces scattered across the parking lot of the Northern Lights Arena at the Alpena Clean Up Day in May 2024.

ALPENA — This year, the Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority (NMMMA) will be hosting its annual Clean Up and E-Waste Day on May 3.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Northern Lights Arena, 751 Woodward Ave. in Alpena. Those dropping stuff off are asked to enter the event using the last entrance to the arena.

Bailey Barr, executive director of NMMMA, asks for cooperation and patience from community members to keep the event organized and safe.

Overall, Barr explained that the Clean Up and E-Waste Day event is a great opportunity for community members leading into summer.

“This annual county-wide clean-up day is a great event that NMMMA puts on for the community,” Barr said. “I think all residents should take advantage of this to help clean up our areas going into summer months.”

According to the NMMMA, the Clean Up and E-Waste Day is an opportunity for Alpena County residents to drop off materials to be recycled. Some materials are free to drop off, while others have a small fee. Below are prices set by the NMMMA for specific materials:

— Scrap metal (dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, stoves, hot water heaters): No charge

— Glass recycling (jars and containers only): No charge

— Batteries (car batteries, household batteries, tool batteries, etc.): No charge

— Mattresses and boxsprings: $20 each (one mattress and one box spring is free)

— Appliances (refrigerators, freezers, AC units, etc.): $15 each (one unit is free)

— Tires (on or off rims): $5 each (first 10 tires off rims are free)

— Tractor tires (on or off rims): $15 each (one tractor tire is free)

— Televisions: $10 each (one television is free)

— Other electronics (computers, monitors, cell phones, tablets, printers, etc.): No charge

— Household garbage: $5 per bag; $15 per piece of furniture

NMMMA states that residents should not bring the following materials to the clean-up and e-waste event:

— Construction/demolition waste (bricks, concrete, asphalt, shingles, drywall, toilets, etc.)

— Recyclable materials (cardboard, paper, plastic)

— Household hazardous waste (aerosols, solvents, paint, light bulbs, fertilizers, sharps)

— Hot tubs or boats

— Equipment containing gas or oil

The NMMMA is also recommending a $5 donation per vehicle to help support the event. If out-of-county residents wish to drop off materials at the arena on May 3, they are required to pay a $60 membership fee. According to the NMMMA, this membership fee is good for a year from the date of purchase.

Barr explained that NMMMA is expecting a high volume of cars at NLA on May 3 because the cleanup and e-waste events are happening on the same day. In the past, these events have happened on different dates, therefore, community members should expect a big turnout.

“Please be patient at the event as we are trying to get everyone through the line as fast as possible with safety (being) our top priority,” Barr said.

When arriving at the event, Barr explained that community members should use the last driveway at NLA.

“We will need cooperation and patience from everyone during this, as we are trying to keep it as organized as possible,” Barr said. “We will have signs guiding people where to go. ”

Barr also mentioned the recycling facility on M-32 will be closed on May 3 because the NMMMA will need full staff at the cleanup and e-waste event.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.