The 2024 Hampton Roads Great American Cleanup had a rainy start, but volunteers and local litter prevention coordinators would not be deterred from completing this important work. This annual cleanup initiative is coordinated by the askHRgreen.org Recycling & Beautification Committee and is part of the national Great American Cleanup initiative from Keep America Beautiful. Here in Hampton Roads, our annual two-day spring cleanup initiative draws hundreds of volunteers each year to beautify their communities and clear litter from roadways, neighborhoods, shopping centers, and parks.
Originally scheduled for March 22-23, this year’s cleanup was expanded into a month-long community cleanup due to rain. The new dates stretched through the end of April with many groups taking advantage of the expanded timeline to reschedule their projects or plan additional cleanups. Working together as one region, askHRgreen.org was able to attract more than 3,000 volunteers across 11 cities and counties. This was up more than 600 volunteers when compared with last year! Volunteers made a transformational impact on Hampton Roads by clearing over 4,700 bags of litter from roadways, neighborhoods, and parks. Volunteers also recovered 442 tires which are a top source of litter at illegal dump sites and major contributor to mosquitoes. To add it all up, volunteers found and removed an estimated 63 tons of trash from public spaces here in Hampton Roads in just one month. Isle of Wight, Newport News, and York County also had tree planting projects which resulted in 60 new trees which are sure to bring beauty, clean air, and shady days for years to come. 
And while we share a collective “high-five” over these transformative results, it’s important to recognize the work left undone. Those high litter locations we can all spot as we go about our daily routines need frequent care and attention. A once-a-year cleanup just won’t do. askHRgreen.org is working 365 days a year to prevent litter through public education and hosting cleanups to address the ongoing buildup of unsightly litter. Please consider staying engaged beyond the Great American Cleanup and doing your part to keep Hampton Roads litter-free.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Secure your outdoor trash cans so trash cannot spill out or blow away. This includes not overfilling your can!
- Leave only footprints, take only memories. When you’re visiting Hampton Roads attractions this summer, please leave nothing behind but your footprints. Have a plan to properly dispose of any trash you might create.
- Claim your spot. Adopt a little corner of your community and make it wonderful! The askHRgreen.org Team Up 2 Clean Up program provides easy access to lendable litter kits you can use to keep your neighborhood litter-free at a time that’s convenient for you.
