Bloomington's annual Curbside Cleanup is rolling into its final weekend, with residents east of Portland Ave set to haul out their bulky trash on Saturday, May 4. This community effort has been running strong since April 6, giving locals a chance to declutter their homes by dumping unwanted appliances, large furniture items, and piles of brush right at their curbs, according to a bulletin from the City of Bloomington. It's the last call for an event that happens only every other year.

Those itching to purge their clutter need to make sure their items are curbside by 7 a.m. on their designated pickup day. But don't go overboard—the weight limit per item tops out at 100 pounds. If you're too late to the game or miss the pickup, expect to deal with your junk, the city's notice says, or shell out for a special bulky materials pickup.

Only homes with the "Bulky Item Management Fee" on their utility bills can join in the cleanup, which excludes some apartment dwellers and townhome residents. If unsure about eligibility, Bloomingtonians should reach out to their management, homeowner's association, or the City Utility Billing at 952-563-8726 for clarity.

For savvy savers concerned about costs, here's a perk: throughout the rest of the year, residents can also get rid of reusable and recyclable bulky items monthly without reaching deeper into their pockets. This service, included in the monthly fee, tosses furniture, rugs, and even battered appliances into the hands of those who can still use them or into the recycling process, states a screengrab from the city's video on the program. Furthermore, items like mattresses and metal scraps get new life through partnerships with organizations such as Bridging and Better Futures MN.

Getting your cast-offs ready for collection is no Herculean task. The city’s website offers a full acceptability list and preparation instructions for the monthly service. So before you stack up your faded armchairs and worn-out cooktops, give the list a once-over to ensure a smooth exit from your living space to their next destination.