On January 15, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced registration is now open for groups planning cleanups and beautification events during the Pick Up Pennsylvania Initiative, supporting the nationwide Great American Cleanup.

This annual event begins on March 1 and ends on May 31. Events can include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and education events.

“We are so grateful to our volunteers, local officials and sponsors who make our premier community improvement initiative possible,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. “Your help is needed more than ever. The responsibility of clean and beautiful neighborhoods belongs to all of us. Pick Up Pennsylvania provides tools and resources at no cost to our residents. If everyone picked up one bag of litter this spring, the results would be pretty powerful.”

Free Trash Bags, Supplies

During this period, registered events can get free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests donated by the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last.

Free Disposal

As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and PA Waste Industries Association are sponsoring free or reduced cost trash disposal for registered program participants at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with prior approval.

During the 2019 event, 92,342 volunteers were instrumental in cleaning up over 6 million pounds of trash during 5,356 events held across the state. Groups, individuals and local governments participate in the annual initiative as a way to rally volunteers, reduce cleanup costs and be connected to a larger movement.

Video Contest

Anyone participating in Pick Up Pennsylvania can earn cash prizes for their nonprofit or charity of choice by entering the groups Pick Up Pennsylvania Video Contest.

To participate, send Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful a 60-second video of your event showing how you keep Pennsylvania beautiful.

Click Here for all the details and examples of past winners.

Join Leaders For A Beautiful PA

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is also encouraging state leaders to “lead the way” with their newest initiative, Leaders for a Beautiful Pennsylvania. The initiative asks legislators and public officials to support community volunteers and improvement events in their service areas.

Click Here for more information.

New Litter Survey Results

The results of a recent statewide study on litter, conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, found that there are currently an estimated 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roadways.

The survey found litter was made up of over 37 percent cigarette butts and over 30 percent plastic items. Among other things, this litter pollutes our environment and affects our quality of life.  Click Here for more.

Supporters

Current 2020 Pick Up Pennsylvania supporters include: Coca-Cola, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania funded by the NiSource Charitable Foundation, PA Waste Industries Association, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, PA Food Merchants Association, Sheetz and Wegmans.

If you are interested in becoming a supporter of the 2020 Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative contact Barb Christner by calling 724-836-4121 or send email to: bchristner@keeppabeautiful.org.

Register/Volunteer/Questions

To host an event or join a cleanup event near you visit KPB’s Pick Up Pennsylvania webpage. Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org . 

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member.  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 Electronics Waste website.

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[Posted: January 15, 2020]

1/20/2020