Stout: Participation in Clean Up PA Keeps Communities Beautiful

HARRISBURG, April 6, 2010 - - State Sen. J. Barry Stout today urged local communities to participate in the “2010 Great American Clean Up” to ensure that their community remains beautiful, litter-free and healthy.

The statewide event takes place throughout Pennsylvania from April 17 to May 1.

“It is important that we all do our part to ensure our communities remain clean, healthy, safe places to live, work and play,” Stout said. “The Great American Clean Up is an excellent way for all members of the community to do their part to clean up their neighborhoods.”

Stout added that participation in the Great American Clean Up is also great way to promote unity within neighborhoods to continue clean-up efforts long after the event is over.

Groups and organizations interested in participation in the Great American Clean Up of PA can register their event at www.gacofpa.org. They can also request free bags, gloves and vests from the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT.) Only those registered are eligible to receive the free supplies.

Stout said that the trash collected during the cleanup will be transported to participating landfills for free disposal.
“It is my hope that many will participate in this effort to help beautify neighborhoods throughout my district while promoting a litter-free environment for all,” Stout said.

According to PA CleanWays and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the 2009 event yielded 171,940 volunteers; 16,498 miles of cleaned roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways and shorelines; and 6,986 acres of cleaned parks and/or wetlands, collecting nearly seven million pounds of trash.

For more information, individuals can call the Great American Cleanup of PA Hotline number (1-877-772-3673 ext 113).

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