The City of Weslaco is hosting its annual Clean Sweep event this weekend. Residents can drop off unwanted items for free.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon on April 18 at South Texas College's Mid-Valley Campus. The city will accept large items like furniture, mattresses and tires.

City leaders say the event helps prevent illegal dumping and keeps storm drains clear.

"When we leave debris out in our alleys or in our streets, they do go to our storm drains, and it causes a mess… and then that's where flooding comes in," Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said. "So what we're trying to do is also prepare for our summer weather, and we make sure that everything's clean."

The event is open only to Weslaco residents. Proof of residency is required.