On Friday, April 21, staff of the HRPDC and HRTPO celebrated Earth Day by hosting a community litter cleanup in Chesapeake. Staff members were invited to spend an hour outside cleaning up litter that had accumulated around the nearby bus stop, along the roadway, and in the parking lots and canal surrounding the regional offices. Some staff members even brought kayaks that allowed litter to be removed from the waterway. The most commonly littered items around the HRPDC/HRTPO building were cigarette butts and convenience products such as disposable drink bottles and food wrappers. This is a common theme that is seen not only statewide but internationally. There were a few unusual finds, however, including a hub cab, bedroll, car battery and even a bike that was partially submerged in the muddy bank of the canal. In total, about 7 bags of litter were collected.

Supplies for the cleanup were provided by the City of Chesapeake and included safety vests, gloves, litter grabbers and trash bags. Staff’s efforts will also be logged as part of the Great American Cleanup, America’s largest community improvement program, powered by more than 5 million volunteers nationwide.

Get involved in a Great American Cleanup project near you or contact your local Litter Prevention Coordinator to organize an event for your workplace or neighborhood.