Lewiston, ME Holds First Citywide Litter Pickup

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Lewiston’s first citywide litter cleanup went off without a hitch as about 50 people — from Boy Scouts, to college students to credit union employees — scoured the city for trash. Volunteers targeted pedestrian-heavy streets and public parks in downtown Lewiston, such as Kennedy Park, Paradis Park and Lisbon Street. Mary Ann Brenchick, director of Lewiston Public Works, said one of her main goals since she was hired last fall has been to improve the city’s image.

A few years ago, Lewiston received a $20,000 grant to hold an “amnesty day” on which residents could dispose of large, bulky items — which people often leave in yards and on porches — at no cost. However, Brenchick said the program is too expensive to do annually.Looking for another way to improve the appearance of neighborhoods, Brenchick, who previously worked at an environmental nonprofit that regularly held litter pickup events, thought it seemed natural to bring a pickup event to Lewiston.

While public works staff regularly clean up public areas in Lewiston, she said she hopes that involving the community will encourage people to make a habit of keeping their neighborhoods clean.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com