NEWS

Atlantic County Clean Communities Program Names Fall Litter Challenge Winners

Nov 02, 2023

^{Our Lady Star of the Sea School (2nd Place)}

The Atlantic County Clean Communities Program, administered by Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), is excited to announce the winners of its Fall Litter Challenge: Kristine Parker’s Girl Scouts (First Place), Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Second Place) and Absecon Community Affairs (Third Place).

The contest challenged teams to pick up as much litter as possible over a two-week period from October 1 to 14. In total, 60 bags of trash and 41 bags of recycling were collected. The first, second and third place winners will receive $500, $300, and $100 mini-grants, respectively, for their efforts.

“Litter is hazardous to the well-being of Atlantic County residents, visitors, and wildlife.” said Atlantic County Clean Communities Coordinator Rebecca Turygan. “The Fall Litter Challenge had great participation this year -- 57 volunteers participated in cleanups. We want to thank everyone for making a difference.”

In addition to the regular trash and recycling that was removed, the teams also reported finding a thermostat, a bowling pin, and four full bottles of body wash. A $100 prize was given to the team who found the strangest litter find. The Ford Beautification Project was awarded the prize for discovering a urine test cup.

Since ACUA began administering the program in 2005, 60 percent of Atlantic County roadways have been adopted. In 2022 alone, 291 cleanups were held, 1,549 bags of litter and recycling were removed from local roadways, and 376 miles were cleaned.

For more information on the Atlantic County Clean Communities Program, please visit http://acua.com/adoptaroad/.