The nonprofit Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, is offering free cleanup supplies and reduced waste disposal rates through the end of May as communities prepare for America’s 250th anniversary.
On Thursday, volunteers at Pittsburgh’s kickoff cleanup event located at the infield area by the Greentree Road on-ramp to Parkway West will receive free trash bags, gloves and safety vests as part of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative.
The noon event, sponsored by PennDOT and DEP, is just one of 40 events scheduled in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties over the next two months, benefiting from the program.
“Our biggest focus is getting people out … especially ahead of tourism season,” said Zachary Appleby, spokesman for PennDOT.
In 2024, Keep America Beautiful launched the Greatest American Cleanup for America 250, with the goal of cleaning up communities nationwide by this July 4. To support that effort in Pennsylvania, the organization launched Pick Up Pennsylvania, a yearlong initiative.
Events can include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and anti-litter education events, according to a news release.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills in April.
Events must be registered at the Keep America Beautiful to receive free cleanup supplies.
Last year over 53,500 people participated in Pick Up Pennsylvania from March through May. During this time, 3.4 million pounds of trash and recyclables were picked up and over 22,500 trees, flowers and other greenery were planted, according to a news release.
Shannon Reiter, executive director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, said that she has seen increased interest in community improvement this year.