From left, Shaun Smith, Josh Smith and Rylee Smith participated in the fall litter challenge.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Atlantic County Clean Communities Program, administered by Atlantic County Utilities Authority, has announced the winners of its Fall Litter Challenge. Blue Heron Pines took first place, Ford Beautification Project, second, and the Easterday Family, third.
The contest challenged teams to pick up as much litter as possible over a three-week period, Oct. 1- 23. In total, 59 bags of trash and 32 bags of recycling were collected. The first, second and third place winners will receive $500, $300, and $100 mini-grants, respectively, for their efforts.
“No one likes to see litter contaminating their community. Litter is hazardous to the well being of Atlantic County residents, visitors and wildlife,” Atlantic County Clean Communities Coordinator Rebecca Turygan said. “The Fall Litter Challenge had great participation this year. We want to thank everyone for making a difference.”
Chuck Ford took second place in the Fall Litter Challenge.
In addition to the regular trash and recycling that was removed, the teams also reported finding a small television, a weather monitoring machine and a tire. A $100 prize was given to the team who found the strangest litter find. Girl Scout Troop 11439 was awarded the prize for recovering 15 large bread trays from the side of the road.
Since ACUA began administering the program in 2005, 60% of Atlantic County roadways have been adopted. In 2021 alone, 318 cleanups were held, 1,682 bags of litter and recycling were removed from local roadways, and 371 miles were cleaned.
For more information on the Atlantic County Clean Communities Program, see http://acua.com/adoptaroad/
