Litter can pollute streams and rivers with microplastics, degrading water quality, and harming the fish, birds, and wildlife that depend on healthy streams and rivers to thrive.
Pick Up PA, an annual volunteer effort to clean up Pennsylvania roads, parks, streams and communities, represents part of Gov. Shapiro’s commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s cherished natural resources.
77,000+ Volunteers
In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers participated in Pick Up Pennsylvania.
Over 3.2 million pounds of litter and trash were picked up, 4.5 million pounds of materials recycled, and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted.
Also in 2024, PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway Program hosted nearly 23,000 volunteers belonging to 4,600 groups and supported the collection of more than 39,000 bags of trash from PA roadways.
“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.”
Free Trash Disposal, Gloves, Bags, Vests
DEP and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with prior approval.
Events scheduled through May 31 are eligible to receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by support from the Department of Environmental Protection and PennDOT, as supplies last.
“Litter is a problem that affects all of us - it pollutes streams, dirties our parks and highways, and is just gross,” said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “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.”
"We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, local officials, and sponsors who make Pick Up Pennsylvania, the state’s largest community improvement program, possible," said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. "As we drive along the highways and back roads of Pennsylvania, it's easy to see the impact of litter. Litter affects our quality of life, the natural environment, and economic development in communities across the state.”
Registered litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and education events are eligible for free cleanup supplies.
"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,” said Reiter. “Enhancing an area with plants, flowers, or a fresh coat of paint can also help keep it litter-free. Anyone can participate in Pick Up PA by visiting our website.”
To Register
To host, register or join an event near you or to inquire about free supplies and trash disposal, visit the KPB 2025 Pick up Pennsylvania webpage or contact Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
Click Here for the Pick Up Pennsylvania announcement.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel.
Keep PA Beautiful helps mobilize over 100,000 volunteers a year to pick up litter, clean up illegal dumping and beautify Pennsylvania.
[Posted: March 25, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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