Thousands of volunteers from across region joined together for the Hampton Roads Kickoff to the Great American Cleanup, March 27-28. Organized by askHRgreen.org and powered by local litter prevention staff, military commands, businesses large and small, and dedicated neighbors, this annual event showcased what’s possible when we work together toward a shared goal: a thriving Hampton Roads with healthy neighborhoods, clean waterways, and vibrant public spaces.
This year’s cleanup brought together 3,125 volunteers who contributed more than 4,000 hours of community service across Hampton Roads. From neighborhood streets to parks and waterways, volunteers tackled litter head-on by removing 3,720 bags of trash, 668 tires, and an estimated 90,128 pounds of litter (about 45 tons!) from our Hampton Roads landscape.
Beyond the numbers, the impact from the Hampton Roads Kickoff will be felt across the region. By clearing litter before it could enter storm drains and waterways, volunteers played a direct role in reducing localized street flooding and marine debris while protecting the delicate coastal ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay. Volunteers also restored habitat by planting native plants and removing non-native invasive plants. Other projects helped bring vibrancy to public spaces like finalizing a new mural in downtown Suffolk and brightly painted trash cans for public parks in Norfolk.
Great progress was made so let’s keep it going! There’s always more work to be done and volunteers are encouraged to stay engaged throughout the year. Adopting your neighborhood or business office for monthly litter pickups and joining community cleanups are great ways to keep this positive momentum going. By investing in cleaner streets, healthier ecosystems, and more beautiful public spaces, we’re building a region where people want to live, work, and play. Thank you to every volunteer and organization who made this year’s cleanup an overwhelming success. Learn how you can be part of what’s happening next by visiting the Team Up 2 Clean Up page.
