By Dawn Burleigh

Dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com

PINEHURST — Beautiful downtown Pinehurst is giving citizens an opportunity to make the spouse happy while help beautifying the city. The annual Spring Clean-up for the city of Pinehurst is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. – 12 Noon on Saturday, April 16 at the MacArthur Shopping Center located at 2600 MacArthur Drive in Pinehurst.

“We are hoping for perfect weather,” City Administrator Robbie Hood said. “Not only is it a way to make the spouse happy, it also helps keep pollutants out of the waterways.”

The fine for littering can range from $500 to $100,000 with the higher fees reflecting a waterway area.

“It is important residents do not rake or blow grass clippings into the ditches,” Hood said.

Grass, litter and other debris can cause drainage issues for the city as well as pollute drinking water.

“Chemicals on the grass, such as pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides will go into the water system,” Hood said. “We need to protect our water.”

During the clean-up, city employees will be on hand to unload vehicles.

During the clean –up, the city will accept brush, furniture items, white goods (without Freon), metal, lumber and trash.

The city will not be able to accept hazardous waste, oil, liquid paint, appliances containing Freon, batteries or tires.