Great American Cleanup of PA Underway

Want to do something this Earth Day that actually benefits your local environment?

Then consider joining one of the many “Great American Cleanup of PA” events in Bucks County. Or, if you have a project in mind that's not listed, consider registering your own clean up effort.

The Great American Cleanup of PA is an annual statewide effort that gets residents outdoors to voluntarily clean up trash from roadways, streams, parks, forests and neighborhoods. This year's event began March 1 and goes through May 31.

Conservation organizations, school and youth groups, businesses, hunting and fishing clubs, community and civic associations, and sports teams that register their cleanup events will receive free supplies, like gloves and trash bags.

To register your event or find an event near you, click here or to to www.gacofpa.org.

There are dozens of opportunities for volunteering your time locally to clean up roads, parks, and forests. Statewide events consist of litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special collections, and educational events

“Spring cleaning is an annual ritual in many households,” said DEP acting Secretary Michael Krancer. “I encourage everyone to participate in this annual outdoor spring cleanup. Our efforts can make a noticeable difference and make our communities and our environment cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for all Pennsylvanians.”

The cleanup effort is supported by DEP, Keep America Beautiful, and the Pennsylvania Department Transportation (PennDOT).

DEP and the PA Waste Industries Association are also sponsoring “Let’s Pick It Up PA – Everyday.” From April 16 to 30, participating landfills will waive fees to dispose of trash collected by volunteers.

Last year, more than 186,000 volunteers from all 67 counties participated in nearly 5,000 events, collecting more than 12-million pounds of trash, according to the DEP.

The volunteers cleaned more than 19,000 miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and 6,000 acres of parks and wetlands. Volunteers also planted more than 21,000 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.

More than 54-million pounds of litter and waste have been removed from Pennsylvania’s landscape and tens of thousands of trees, bulbs, and flowers have been planted since the inception of the cleanup event in 2004.

“Pennsylvania is blessed with many beautiful and bountiful forests, parks, streams and rivers,” said Krancer. “Through the spirit of civic pride and community cooperation, Pennsylvanians will enjoy those natural resources for generations to come.”