NEW GLASGOW, N.S. – With the snow gone, transgressions of trash droppers have been revealed.
Whether the littering was willfully breaking the law or accidental, Sasha Barnard, regional educator at Pictou County Solid Waste and a member of this year’s Go Clean Get Green Litter Clean Up Committee, hopes Pictou County will once again rally to pick up the pieces during this year’s Go Clean Get Green event.
“This will be the 16th year of GCGG and we can’t wait to see everyone out and about cleaning up their communities again this year,” said Barnard.
The kick off for this year’s event will be April 26 and April 27.
April 26 will be the student participation day, during which students will take some time to pick up around their schools. That is also a corporate challenge day when local companies and organizations are encouraged to clean up around their properties.
This is followed by the community cleanup day April 27, during which residents are encouraged to clean up around their own neighbourhoods or other areas of the community.
The theme for this year’s cleanup is Trash Treasure Hunt and Barnard said they’re hoping people will take pictures of their cleanup and post to social media using the hashtags #trashtreasurehunt and #gladtocleanup. To make a little fun of the work, they’re also holding a contest; prizes will be awarded for the most straws collected, most random item and the most complete outfit made from clothing found.
Barnard said there will be drop-off locations for trash in each of the towns, but if people can’t make it to those, they can also phone in and let the organizers know where the trash is to be picked up.
Sorting of trash is encouraged where possible, said Barnard, but they recognize that much of the trash may be too dirty to be recycled. Participants are encouraged to take a blue bag with them to pick up refundables, however.
Safety first
While people are out collecting trash, Barnard said it’s important that people keep some safety tips in mind.
“We want to make sure that people are always wearing brightly-coloured clothes.”
She said people should never attempt to pick up broken glass or needles.
“If you do come across needles, call us and let us know. We don’t want the public picking up anything like that.”
She said it’s also good to be cautious before picking up a shopping bag or fast food bag and rather than opening it, just throw out the entire bag.
Want to take part?
If you’d like to take part in this year’s cleanup you can register online at www.gocleangetgreen.ca or by calling 902-396-1495. Supplies such as trash bags and gloves for registered cleanups can be picked up at Pictou County Solid Waste.
Designated Drop-Off Locations
Stellarton – Parking lot behind Town Office
Westville – Parking lot next to Town Office
Trenton – Parking lot beside Trenton Rink
Pictou – Parking lot of Hector Arena
New Glasgow – Parking lot at the Bluenose Curling Club and Parkdale Sports Complex
Scotsburn – Parking lot of Scotsburn Elementary School
Alma – Parking lot at Alma Fire Hall
Thorburn – Parking lot of Ivor MacDonald Rink
Little Harbour – Parking lot of Fire Hall
Merigomish – Parking lot of Fire Hall
Westville Road – Wellness Centre parking lot
NOTE: Only clear bags will be accepted at the drop off locations. Household trash will not be accepted.