Franklin City Council and the Franklin Beautification Commission are giving citizens a free pass on yard waste this week.

Monday through Friday have been declared Amnesty Days — an opportunity for all city residents to clean out their yards and homes of unwanted items, including refuse debris, old appliances, tires, lawnmowers, etc., at no cost.

During Clean Up Week, residents may place materials to be picked up by trash collectors in piles next to the street. City refuse crews will pick up these extra items along with trash on standard pick up days.

The city will not pick up construction debris, trees, lot-cleaning materials, paint or other hazardous materials. Those items should be taken to the Southeastern Public Service Authority transfer station on Route 671.

Call 562-8564 for more information.

In conjunction with Clean Up Week and Amnesty Days, Riverkeeper Jeff Turner is coordinating Clean Rivers Day on Saturday.

For more information, contact Jeff Turner at 562-5173 or e-mail at blknotkpr@earthlink.net or visit www.blackwaternottoway.com. Please call or e-mail to sign up your group or organization and to arrange for the equipment needed for the litter pick up.