The International Cleanup is an initiative to keep trash from reaching our waterways and oceans.
From September 1 through November 30, volunteers will be provided trash bags, gloves, and safety vests, provided by the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and the Ocean Conservancy, as supplies last, when they register a cleanup with Pick Up Pennsylvania.
Both waterway and land-based cleanups are eligible for the program since a significant portion of waterway pollution originates on land.
Wind and rain wash litter into storm drains or directly into creeks and rivers that eventually flow to the ocean where it impacts marine life, human health, and coastal economies.
For over 15 years, Tidings of Peace Christian School in York has led a powerful tradition of environmental stewardship through its annual Trash-A-Thon, a citywide cleanup initiative that brings together students, families, staff, and local residents.
Each year, this grassroots effort removes an average of ten tons of litter from the streets of York, reinforcing the school’s commitment to community service and environmental responsibility.
Once again this fall, the Trash-A-Thon will align with Pick Up Pennsylvania and the International Coastal Cleanup, expanding its impact as part of a statewide and global movement to combat litter and protect waterways.
“Collaborating with local organizations has been crucial to the success of our cleanup efforts. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful plays a vital role by generously providing supplies for our volunteers,” said Tyler Burkholder, Administrator of Tidings of Peace Christian School.
"Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is proud to be the state coordinator for the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. Pennsylvania consistently ranks in the top five nationwide for trash properly disposed and diverted from entering our waterways and oceans,” said Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator.
“We couldn't do it without the generosity of dedicated volunteers who roll up their sleeves to pick up trash before it makes its way to our waterways. Organizations, civic groups, schools, individuals, friends, and family can organize a cleanup of their favorite waterway, park, trail or other place they care about. Big or small, all cleanups make a difference,” said Dunn.
Find/Register a Cleanup
Join an existing cleanup event by visiting Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Calendar of Events webpage or register your own, large or small, by visiting the Pick Up Pennsylvania Program webpage.
Lens On Litter Photo Contest
As an added incentive to get outside and clean up, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is sponsoring the 2025 Pennsylvania Resources Council, Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest, Before and After category.
Participants are eligible for a monetary prize of $500. One adult and one student winner will be awarded.
To qualify, submissions in this category must be from a Pick Up Pennsylvania registered and reported event.
All Lens on Litter photo contest rules and requirements must be followed.
Events must be registered to receive the free supplies and to be eligible for the Lens on Litter – Before and After monetary prize.
Visit the Lens on Litter Photo Contest webpage for all the details.
Click Here for the KPB announcement.
Annual Conference
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s 2025 Annual Conference, celebrating 35 years of stewardship, sustainability, and environmental education, will be held on October 15 and 16 at The Nittany Lion Inn, State College
Click Here to register and for more information.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s mission is empowering Pennsylvanians to keep our communities clean and beautiful.
Since 1990, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has worked with hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the state to pick up nearly 162 million pounds of trash from Pennsylvania's roadways, waterways, greenways, vacant lots, forestlands and other shared community spaces.
(Photo: Volunteers from Tidings of Peace Christian School clean up the local community during the annual Trash-A-Thon.)
Related Articles This Week:
-- PennDOT, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Announce 28 Student Young Ambassadors To Advance Pennsylvania’s Environmental Sustainability Efforts [PaEN]
-- Join The Keep PA Beautiful Pick Up Pennsylvania Fall Cleanup To Keep Litter From Reaching Our Waterways; Free Cleanup Supplies For Registered Events [PaEN]
-- Registration Open! PA Resources Council Electronics Waste Collection Events In Delaware, Montgomery Counties [PaEN]
[Posted: September 3, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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