Registration Open and New Business Initiative

Registration Open and New Business Initiative

Old tires, a Richard Nixon mask, a refrigerator, and a broken flute case.  What do these things have in common?

They are just a few of the odd things found in Rochester during the last 4 years of litter clean ups during the annual Help Make Rochester A Litter Bit Better! event.  What will our volunteers find this year?  So far, over 54 tons of litter has been collected by thousands of citizens since the program began in 2007.

This year’s event will be April 21-28th and registration is open now.  Volunteers are encouraged to collect litter anytime during that week.  Trash and recycling bags are provided, all you need to do is pick a location, pick a date, and pick it up! Registration information, maps and more can be found at www.RNeighbors.org/litterbitbetter.

In addition to organizing this annual spring event, the Steering Committee selects a different litter-related topic to focus on.  Based on participant survey responses and a 2009 study initiated by Keep America Beautiful, the committee is focusing on business waste this year.  Rochester businesses can voluntarily sign on to be a Business Partner and be recognized for their commitment to a clean and livable city.  They will be provided with a window decal, receive discounts on trash and cigarette receptacles from Arnold’s Supply and Kleenit Company, have access to litter-related educational materials for their employees and customers.  Look for this new program to be launched March 15th.

Litter is icky.  It makes our city look bad, and can pollute our water.  For the 5th year in a row, hundreds of citizens will join forces to prevent pollution and remove litter from parks, neighborhoods and businesses in Rochester during this weeklong event– will you be one of them?

Everyone can Help Make Rochester A Litter Bit Better! including children, adults, businesses, church groups, boy and girl scouts, neighborhood associations, and others.  Litter pickups are easy, rewarding, and fun!  Do your part and register today!

For more information contact Megan Duffey, Storm Water Educator, City of Rochester, Public Works Department, 507.328.2440.

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