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Suffolk residents have the opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather, clean up their city and be part of a bigger movement at the end of the month.

The Great American Cleanup will take place again this year March 25-26 across the region organized by askhrgreen.org and locally coordinated by Keep Suffolk Beautiful.

This is a national effort to encourage folks to get out and clean up litter and trash in their city. There is no set time or place during the two days, so Suffolk residents are encouraged to go out with their friends and family to clean up litter whether it be on the side of their road, a favorite park or an area that needs extra attention.

“People can choose to clean up at a park or  another location they enjoy,” said Daniel McDonald, litter control coordinator with Suffolk Litter Control. “They can leave their trash bags there and we will come to pick it up and make it super easy for them.”

Anyone who wants to participate can receive all necessary items, including trash bags, trash grabbers, gloves and reflective vests, from Suffolk Litter Control. Folks can also check out litter-collecting kits from the Suffolk Public Library that accommodate a group of four. All that is needed to check these out is a library card.

Because of this initiative, since 2019 volunteers have collected over 47 tons of litter across Hampton Roads, according to askhrgreen.org. Last year, Suffolk had 115 residents collect 141 bags of trash and 15 tires totaling 3,855 pounds of garbage.

This cleanup provides numerous benefits for Suffolk as a whole, organizers say. With less scattered trash, the city is more appealing to tourists and people who come to look at buying a home here. The trash also can get into waterways and clog storm drains, causing negative environmental impacts.

“There’s a sense of civic pride in keeping our city clean,” said McDonald. “It’s not just for other people who visit, but we do it for ourselves and the environment.”

Even though these particular dates are a specific initiative, litter cleanups can happen all year long. According to McDonald, the resources at Suffolk Litter Control and the Suffolk Public Libraries are available year-round so Suffolk residents can still participate no matter the day.

Folks are encouraged to register at askHRgreen.org/cleanup to help keep a record of the efforts of the weekend. Folks can also contact Suffolk Litter Control at littercontrol@suffolkva.us or 757-514-7604.