Gallup revises Westside cleanup schedule, adds May 9 collection date

Gallup moved its Westside cleanup pickup to Saturday, May 9, giving several neighborhoods an earlier chance to clear out bulky trash, appliances and yard debris before the city’s annual collection rolls on. The change applies to Chiquita MHP, the Mendoza Airport Area, Augies MHP, Skywest Subdivision and Mentmore Neighborhood.

The original May 16 date still stands for D&S MHP, Western Skies MHP, All American MHP and Trails West MHP. The Westside route covers the area west of Marguerite Street to County Road 1, part of the city’s 16th annual residential cleanup program.

City officials said the revision came because of an unforeseen special event conflict. The adjustment shows how quickly a public-service calendar can shift when city facilities and streets are needed for other uses, and it means Westside residents need to pay close attention to the revised pickup day rather than relying on the earlier schedule.

Gallup’s cleanup is limited to residential customers inside the city limits, not county residents. Residents are asked to place unwanted junk, bulk items, appliances and furniture at the curb by 8 a.m. on the assigned day. Loose debris must go in tied bags, secured boxes or containers so contents do not scatter. Items left in alleyways will not be collected.

The city also will not accept hazardous waste in the cleanup, including paint, oil, aerosol cans and cleaners. Household hazardous waste must be separated and placed in a box or crate to prevent spills, leaks or reactions. City instructions also say items should be kept clear of overhead wires, trees, cars, mailboxes, fences, utility meters and poles.

The cleanup schedule continues across Gallup through the spring and summer. Area 1, Eastside, is set for April 25; Area 3, Southside, for June 6; Area 4, Southeast, for June 27; Area 5, Northside, for July 18; Area 6, Southwest, for August 1; Area 7, Mideast, for August 15; and Area 8, Midwest, for August 29.

The Solid Waste Division says the annual cleanup is designed to protect the health and safety of city employees while keeping debris from scattering during collection. Keep Gallup Clean & Beautiful also continues to push neighborhood cleanup and litter pickup along city rights-of-way, a reminder that the program is part sanitation service, part civic maintenance.