Before it gets too cold outside and the area is blanketed with snow for the winter, we urge residents to get rid of unwanted items and clean up their properties.

Twice a year, the city hosts cleanup days, where it offers free and reduced prices to get rid of trash and other debris at the Albert Lea Transfer Station and Demolition Landfill. One of those days is Saturday.

Hometown Pride Cleanup Day will take place from 9 a.m. to noon rain or shine. Residents must show a proof of residency to deposit one load of the following:

• Brush and yard waste, free

• Household garbage, free

• Demolition debris, free

• Appliance, sofa, mattress, $10 each

• Furniture piece, $5 each

• Passenger car tire, $3 each

• Rims and e-waste, regular rates

What better time to clean up your house of unwanted items than when you can do it for free or at a cheaper cost.

We hope residents take advantage of this opportunity that won’t come around again until the spring.