'Pick Up Brick' Township Cleanups Set To Begin

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township will launch a "Pick Up Brick" series of community cleanups on April 17, partnering with Clean Ocean Action for their Annual Spring Beach Sweeps.

Pick Up Brick is a collaborative anti-litter program sponsored by the Environmental Commission, Green Team and Clean Communities coordinator.

"Earth Day on April 22nd, and the surrounding week, presents a great opportunity to channel people’s passion for the environment," Mayor John G. Ducey said. "This year we are excited to once again join Clean Ocean Action at their Spring Beach Sweeps while also announcing a yearlong cleanup campaign at township open space sites."

The April 17 Beach Sweeps begin at 9 a.m. and have been expanded this year to include Brick Beach I, Brick Beach III and Windward Beach Park. Beach captains will be on hand to provide supplies and guidance to volunteers throughout the morning. Volunteers can get more information and must register for the beach sweeps at cleanoceanaction.org.

"These cleanups provide an opportunity for residents of all ages to make a positive contribution to the quality of life in Brick," said Keith Rella, the Pick up Brick program coordinator. "It also provides clear evidence that changing our behaviors, like our dependence on single-use plastic products, can have a real impact on the volume of waste and debris in our environment."

The Pick up Brick Program includes three components:

• Education: Sharing best practices to eliminate litter and minimize waste
• Enforcement: Highlighting consequences for littering or not adhering to township code
• Action: Cleanups and an email address where residents can report areas in need of attention and volunteer for community clean-ups.

Additional Pick Up Brick campaign cleanups will be announced on Earth Day. Anyone interested in volunteering, organizing a cleanup or receiving notifications about the Pick Up Brick program should email pickupbrick@bricktownship.net.

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