The High Desert is known for its strong afternoon winds. Those breezes can turn into trash tornadoes if we don’t band together and clean up our town.

Tame the trash tornado Saturday, October 4 on Community Clean Up Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Community service organizations, schools, churches, clubs and individual volunteers are invited to participate in this free event. Volunteers are provided with trash bags and gloves, a T-shirt and lunch while supplies last. Designated areas will be assigned to clean and all participants must sign a liability waiver. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance. Transportation is not provided. To help make a difference in the Town of Apple Valley call Special Events at (760) 240-7000 x 7071.

The twice annual Clean Up Days are made possible with the help of Burrtec, Sparklett’s, Splattered Ink, Take Pride in America, Keep California Beautiful and Wal-Mart. Last year, more than 40 tons of trash and almost 3 tons of metal were collected.

Although San Bernardino County is no longer hosting free dump day in conjunction with this event, green waste, bulky household items such as mattresses, appliances, and furniture may be dropped off free of charge at the collection bins on the corner of Navajo and Pah-ute between 9 a.m. and noon. Proof of Apple Valley residency is not required. No tires, televisions, computer monitors or other hazardous materials will be accepted. The Town accepts household hazardous waste every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 13450 Nomwaket Road between Powhatan and Ottawa roads.

For more information on recycling or disposing of hazardous waste, visit www.GreenAppleValley.org.