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Pick-Up Pennsylvania is a clean-up effort organized by the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection every spring and fall. Organizers say trash always makes it downstream through storm drains and rivers, so it’s important to clean up locally.
DEP’s Deborah Klenotic says, because of the pandemic, the spring event was cancelled. However, the state is now encouraging residents to get out and clean up — but to keep it small.
"We’re suggesting families, small groups of friends and neighbors, small groups of co-workers — you can even get out and do an event on your own, alone, safe and solo," she said.
"We are providing free safety vests, free gloves, free trash bags, and we’re requiring all volunteers to practice social distancing.”
Last year, more than 12,000 people took part in the fall anti-litter campaign and collected over 488,000 pounds of trash.
Klenotic says, since the pandemic began, more people have been heading outside, and there’s more trash than ever before.
“If you want to create your own event in your neighborhood or your town or your local park, you can register your event. And there's also a list of events that have already been registered and would like volunteers.”
Pick-Up Pennsylvania runs through Nov. 30.