HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration is extending an invitation to residents across the Commonwealth to participate in the 2025 Pick Up Pennsylvania litter cleanup initiative. Spearheaded by a coalition involving the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT), Environmental Protection (DEP), and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the program offers an opportunity for civic engagement aimed at preserving the state’s natural environment.
Litter has long been a pressing issue in Pennsylvania, with its adverse effects ranging from degraded water quality to harm inflicted on local wildlife reliant on healthy ecosystems. Pick Up Pennsylvania embodies Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to environmental conservation, coinciding with his administration’s prior investments of over $15 million to safeguard waterways, rehabilitate abandoned mine sites, and address environmental hazards.
Meaningful Impact of Pick Up Pennsylvania
The scale of last year’s efforts highlights the program’s success. More than 77,000 volunteers took part in 2024, collectively removing over 3.2 million pounds of litter, recycling 4.5 million pounds of material, and planting upwards of 14,000 trees, flowers, and greenery across the state. PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program further contributed, enlisting nearly 23,000 volunteers who cleared more than 39,000 bags of trash from state roads.
“Last fiscal year, PennDOT spent $18 million picking up litter along the 40,000 miles of state-owned roadways. The Shapiro Administration has made protecting the Commonwealth’s environment a key focus, and we’re proud to continue that work,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The thousands of Pennsylvanians who volunteer their time to keeping litter out of our roads, parks and waterways are a key component to keeping PA beautiful, and there is always more work to be done.”
Cleanup and Beautification Support
The initiative provides vital resources to ensure the success of registered volunteer events. Through May 31, participants will have access to free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests supplied by DEP and PennDOT, contingent on availability. Additionally, through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association, trash collected during registered cleanups can be disposed of at participating landfills at no cost or reduced rates from April 1 to April 30.
Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying, “Litter is a problem that affects all of us – it pollutes streams, dirties our parks and highways, and is just gross. When people see an area with litter, it’s a signal that they can also just toss their trash – so it is important to keep Pennsylvania litter-free. Joining a pickup event, or organizing your own, is a great way to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.”
Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, praised the annual effort and its volunteers. “We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, local officials, and sponsors who make Pick Up Pennsylvania, the state’s largest community improvement program, possible. Litter affects our quality of life, the natural environment, and economic development in communities across the state.”
How to Participate
Community members are encouraged to either organize their own events or join existing cleanups. Eligible activities include litter and illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification projects, special collections, and educational initiatives. Interested individuals can register events or sign up for volunteer opportunities by visiting the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website or contacting Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113.
Reiter added, “After the long winter, we hope residents are ready to get outside, roll up their sleeves, and pick up the trash left behind as the snow melts. Enhancing an area with plants, flowers, or a fresh coat of paint can also help keep it litter-free.”
The Shapiro Administration urges all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to their communities and help maintain a cleaner, healthier environment.
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