Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has announced that registration is open for the 2024 Pick Up Pennsylvania, an annual community improvement program. Individuals, friends, families and other groups large and small can help clean up vacant lots, streets and riverbanks; plant gardens and trees; or mulch a local playground.

Pick Up Pennsylvania is a yearlong initiative, but events scheduled from Friday, March 1, through Friday, May 31, are eligible to receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests, while supplies last, provided through support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PennDOT and Keep America Beautiful. Events may include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and education events. Events must be registered at http://www.keeppabeautiful.org to receive free cleanup supplies.

As part of Pick Up Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania DEP and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants. This service will be available at participating landfills from Monday, April 1, through Tuesday, April 30, with prior approval.

Additionally, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will host a community-wide cleanup training webinar on Monday, Feb. 26, from noon to 1 p.m. Topics will include technical support for organizing a community-wide cleanup by mobilizing local volunteers, gaining support from local businesses, coordinating trash disposal and accessing supplies. The webinar will be geared toward municipalities, but individuals and organizations interested in organizing a cleanup may also attend. The link will be posted at the aforementioned website; people should choose Programs, then Pick Up PA.

To host or join a cleanup event or to inquire about free supplies and trash disposal, visit the aforementioned website or contact Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania program coordinator, at 877-772-3673, ext. 113, or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Businesses and organizations interested in supporting this initiative may contact Deb Woolley at dwoolley@keepppabeautiful.org.