Mundelein prepares for spring cleanup

Mundelein's annual spring cleanup is set to begin late next month.

The effort -- allowing residents to dispose of materials that normally couldn't go out with the trash without an additional fee -- will run April 29 to May 9.

People should put household items at the curb for removal on their usual day for recycling pickup.

Certain items won't be collected, including pesticides, asbestos, tree stumps, oil, gas, chemicals, tires, 35- or 55-gallon drums, oil-based paints and large quantities of yard waste.

Other items, such as refrigerators or freezers with freon, must be altered first because of federal environmental restrictions. Doors must be removed from stoves, freezers and similar appliances, too.

Additionally, electrical devices such as computers, printers or stereo components should be grouped separately because they'll be collected and recycled, officials said.

Latex paints should be hardened before being left curbside. Kitty litter can be added to such paint to aid that process.

Despite its recent purchase by Groot Industries, Mundelein Disposal will remove the items as it has in the past.

The job will cost the village more than $29,000. The village board approved the contract this week.

The only items Mundelein Disposal won't pick up are appliances that normally contain freon. Village crews will remove those items.

For details, call Mundelein Disposal at (847) 566-5159.