Learn about Clean Sweep!

CLEANUP Green Up 2015

Yep, we're at it again, and you can too: it's called Clean Sweep 

Prince George's County Government in partnership with the Maryland State Administration and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is launching a new anti-litter initiative dubbed Clean Sweep designed to kick litter to the curb.

Beginning September 1, 2015 and ending October 31, 2015 residents will see this County and State collaborative effort tackle roadside litter, reduce incidents of illegal dumping, patrol communities for littering activities and promote trash-free conditions in local parks, neighborhoods and along trails to produce cleaner, greener neighborhoods and watersheds. The anti-litter activities will target 20 communities located in the Anacostia River Watershed and TNI (Transforming Neighborhood Initiative) areas to help the County make progress in improving the quality of life in TNI neighborhoods and achieving compliance with a Federal mandate to reduce the litter load on the Anacostia River.

"Litter costs our County thousands of dollars a year, decreases our property values, has a negative impact on our health and wellness and threatens our wildlife, reservoirs and waterways states Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. "Prince George's County is proud to be part of this comprehensive collaboration that unites government and community members to join together to effect long-lasting change in reducing litter."

A key goal of the Clean Sweep Initiative is to help the County fulfill its obligation to reduce litter in the Anacostia River in accordance with a Federal mandate. A trash pollution diet or Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML) for the Anacostia River was developed through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), District of Columbia and state of Maryland. Compliance with the trash TDML is mandated through the County's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS-4) Permit. This permit requires that the County achieve a trash reduction rate of 170,628 pounds per year for the Anacostia River. This removal rate applies to trash that typically enters our storm drain systems and outfalls to waterways leading to the river.

The partnership, led by the County's Department of the Environment (DoE) includes anti-litter activities performed with assistance from the Departments of Corrections (DOC), Public Works and Transportation (DPWT), Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), Police Department and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

"Reducing and monitoring litter in our environment sends a signal that we care how we live and work and translates into positive behavior change," says DoE Director Adam Ortiz. "The government doesn't have the resources to fight litter on its own; it takes all of us to make a difference in our communities." Communities are invited to work in concert with the County to take a stand against litter by hosting a voluntary community cleanup during their designated two –week Clean Sweep period.

The list below highlights the targeted communities and dates where the anti-litter efforts will be undertaken.  

The Clean Sweep Initiative is one of a host of programs the County offers to combat litter. Clean Up, Green Up, an annual beautification program offered twice a year in partnership with DPWT and the Neighborhood Design Center provides residents with litter cleaning supplies and free planting material. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2015. 

The registration deadline for completing the Clean Up, Green Up application (PDF) is Friday, September 18, 2015. 

For more information or to find out how you can volunteer for the Clean Sweep Initiative, contact DoE Acting Associate Director, Sustainable Initiatives Division Dawn Hawkins Nixon at (301) 883-5839 or DoE Senior Planner Alfred Titus-Glover at (301) 883- 7164.