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Our small, yet dedicated, land-based programs crew empowers volunteers to eliminate litter and illegal dumping.
From self-guided litter cleanups to large-scale dumpsite remediation, the work that Allegheny CleanWays does to remove trash and debris from the region’s hillsides, open lots, and greenways is the first crucial step to full restoration of the valuable green spaces that define the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County at large.
From self-guided litter cleanups to large-scale dumpsite remediation, the work that Allegheny CleanWays does to remove trash and debris from the region’s hillsides, open lots, and greenways is the first crucial step to full restoration of the valuable green spaces that define the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County at large.
Click on the button for details on each of our land-based programs, or read on to learn more about litter and dumping in Allegheny County.
View a map of our completed and ongoing work across Allegheny County.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the unauthorized depositing of any waste upon any public land, city property, or private property.
When a person or business discards waste where it doesn’t belong, rather than through a licensed waste hauler, recycler, or permitted landfill, they are dumping illegally. The size and contents of an illegal dumpsite vary, but are commonly composed of construction and renovation debris, tires, televisions and electronics, household waste, furniture, and landscaping debris.
What is litter?
Like illegal dumping, litter is improperly disposed-of waste.
Litter can occur intentionally, like illegal dumping, or unintentionally (like trash blowing out of an unsecured garbage can, for example). Litter is matter where it doesn’t belong. There are many factors that contribute to litter and illegal dumping. While the solutions are complex and varied, one thing is for sure: we all have the power to prevent and eliminate littering and illegal dumping!
Illegal dumping is the unauthorized depositing of any waste upon any public land, city property, or private property.
When a person or business discards waste where it doesn’t belong, rather than through a licensed waste hauler, recycler, or permitted landfill, they are dumping illegally. The size and contents of an illegal dumpsite vary, but are commonly composed of construction and renovation debris, tires, televisions and electronics, household waste, furniture, and landscaping debris.
What is litter?
Like illegal dumping, litter is improperly disposed-of waste.
Litter can occur intentionally, like illegal dumping, or unintentionally (like trash blowing out of an unsecured garbage can, for example). Litter is matter where it doesn’t belong. There are many factors that contribute to litter and illegal dumping. While the solutions are complex and varied, one thing is for sure: we all have the power to prevent and eliminate littering and illegal dumping!
Allegheny CleanWays’ land-based programs operate under the belief that all people deserve a clean and healthy environment in which to live and prosper."
- Dani Kramer, ACW Land-based Program Coordinator
Have questions about our land-based programs?
Got an idea for a cleanup project?
Want to report an illegal dumpsite? Need to fulfill community service requirements?
Our land-based program coordinator is looking forward to talking with you: lyssa@alleghenycleanways.org
Got an idea for a cleanup project?
Want to report an illegal dumpsite? Need to fulfill community service requirements?
Our land-based program coordinator is looking forward to talking with you: lyssa@alleghenycleanways.org
DumpBusters
Using people-power, hand tools, garbage cans, and a truck to restore dumpsites to green spaces.
Our DumpBusters crew members work with volunteers in three-hour shifts to clean up illegal dumpsites four days a week, year-round.
DumpBusters cleanups take place on varied and challenging terrain, and volunteers should be prepared to get dirty and enjoy a workout!
Using people-power, hand tools, garbage cans, and a truck to restore dumpsites to green spaces.
Our DumpBusters crew members work with volunteers in three-hour shifts to clean up illegal dumpsites four days a week, year-round.
DumpBusters cleanups take place on varied and challenging terrain, and volunteers should be prepared to get dirty and enjoy a workout!
Litter cleanup
Cleaning up litter is a rewarding way to care for your community and the environment.
Allegheny CleanWays, in partnership with Friends of the Riverfront, is pleased to provide individuals with the tools to get outside and pick up litter in your neighborhood!
Cleaning up litter is a rewarding way to care for your community and the environment.
Allegheny CleanWays, in partnership with Friends of the Riverfront, is pleased to provide individuals with the tools to get outside and pick up litter in your neighborhood!
GrateKeepers
GrateKeepers, storm drain adoption program, brings stewardship to the place where the land and waterways meet: storm drains!
Select a storm drain in your neighborhood to adopt and keep free of trash and debris. This is a self-guided volunteer position that requires minimal time commitment, but adds up to big improvements in the health of the watershed. Gratekeepers volunteers are given the option to receive cleanup kit supplies to ensure safe and successful storm drain stewardship thanks in part to a grant from Dominion Energy and The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Group Cleanup Events
Some large dumpsites require big team efforts to be cleaned up efficiently and safely!
These are great opportunities to volunteer with co-workers, friends, and family. Group cleanup events are also focused around large litter cleanup efforts, plogging races, and partnership work with other organizations. While we are not currently planning large cleanup events for Covid-19 safety reasons, please check back here for future announcements.
GrateKeepers, storm drain adoption program, brings stewardship to the place where the land and waterways meet: storm drains!
Select a storm drain in your neighborhood to adopt and keep free of trash and debris. This is a self-guided volunteer position that requires minimal time commitment, but adds up to big improvements in the health of the watershed. Gratekeepers volunteers are given the option to receive cleanup kit supplies to ensure safe and successful storm drain stewardship thanks in part to a grant from Dominion Energy and The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Group Cleanup Events
Some large dumpsites require big team efforts to be cleaned up efficiently and safely!
These are great opportunities to volunteer with co-workers, friends, and family. Group cleanup events are also focused around large litter cleanup efforts, plogging races, and partnership work with other organizations. While we are not currently planning large cleanup events for Covid-19 safety reasons, please check back here for future announcements.
