Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday thanked the thousands of volunteers from all 67 counties in Pennsylvania participating in the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA.

From March 1 through May 31, individuals, families, civic groups, schools, organizations and businesses came together for a common cause – a cleaner more beautiful Pennsylvania.  

Events varied from litter and illegal dump cleanups to beautification projects, special collections, and educational events! These events rallied communities and set an example for others to follow.

Eleven townships in Northampton County joined forces to offer a combined electronics and scrap metal collection. Over 11,000 pounds of scrap metal and over 63,600 pounds of electronics were collected for proper disposal.

“During the three-hour event, we had 650 cars come through to drop off scrap metal and electronics. It was an extremely successful event. Thank you!” stated Deanne Werkheiser, Municipal Secretary, Tatamy Borough.

The Canonsburg Crime Watch in Washington County brought residents together for a communitywide litter sweep.

“We had so much fun helping to clean our town. I had a team with three kids who were given popsicles by a neighbor who came out and encouraged the kids by telling them how nice it was to see them helping,” shared Kim Campbell, community volunteer.

“We want to thank each and every one of the Great American Cleanup of PA volunteers who continue to make our communities a better place to be by coordinating events big and small. It is your commitment to being stewards of our communities that helps make this event a success year after year,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “Our work would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of local volunteers and the support of our partners. Thank you.”

This annual event is held in conjunction with Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup and led by a coalition of nonprofit, state agency and business partners such as the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, PA Waste Industries Association, the PA Food Merchants Association, Weis Markets, Inc., Wawa, Inc., Sheetz, ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer.

Additional 2016 event supporters include: Steel Recycling Institute, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Giant Eagle Inc., Giant Food Stores, Inc., Republic Services and Wegmans Food Markets.

During the three-month long initiative, registered participants received free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests from PennDOT district offices. During April 16th through May 9th, trash collected at registered events was taken to participating facilities for free or at a reduced rate.

A complete report will be available late summer.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel. 

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s new Electronics Waste website.

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