Programs
Assessment
The cataloging of illegal dump sites is directed by PA CleanWays with local support provided by Allegheny CleanWays. PA CleanWays aims to have the entire state surveyed for illegal dumps by 2010. Assessments only address "third party" dump sites along public rights of way, not along off road areas or dumps on private property by the landowner.
Illegal Dump Cleanups
Allegheny CleanWays works with local residents, organizations, businesses, and governments to remove debris dumped within the County.
Tireless Project. This program is a collaborative endeavor of several organizations with a common interest in the waterways of Pittsburgh. The Tireless Project was launched in 2002 by the Three Rivers Rowing Association in partnershi with Nat Stone, a free-lance writer and rower who was horrified by the enormous volume of tires along the city's riverbanks when he rowed through on his adventure from New York City to New Orleans. Since its beginnings over 1150 volunteers from throughout the area have extracted over 1230 tires and 90 tons of debris and 230 bags of recyclables from the rivers' shores.
Greenways cleanups
Greenways are designated green spaces that have been adopted by local organizations as stewards. Because of their remote character areas that were designated as greenways are likely to have been historic dumping sites. Allegheny CleanWays continues to work with state organizations and agencies and local residents and organizations to remove the debris and work to restore the health of the areas as community green spaces.
Community Support & Litter Abatement
Allegheny CleanWays provides training and equipment to community groups trying to fight litter in their neighborhood. Cleanup Coordinator Workshops provide valuable details on how to plan and implement a community cleanup. Allegheny CleanWays serves as a distributor for PennDOT of gloves, bags, and safety vests needed to get the job done.
Partners Against Littered Streets (PALS) is a program through which Allegheny CleanWays provides kits of materials to community groups for frequent light litter cleanups. Kits contain safety vests printed with the PALS insignia as well as several types of cleaning equipment.
Site Adoption
Sites that have been adopted under the PA CleanWays adoption program must be cleaned twice a year. Allegheny CleanWays offers equipment and technical support to the organizations who are stewarding adopted sites.
Education & Prevention
Littering and illegal dumping won’t stop just because people clean up the debris. It must be stopped at the source. Allegheny CleanWays conducts outreach and education programs and is initiating a variety of programs designed to further help prevent these crimes from happening.