Charlestown To Host Roadside Litter Pickup Day

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Mark your calendars and find your work gloves — Saturday, April 17 will mark Roadside Litter Pickup Day in Charlestown.

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Organizers ask people to stay within their family or quarantine group as they work to pick up trash and litter dumped along the roadways by thoughtless motorists. The town will provide blue bags and allow for free disposal of roadside litter on April 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those who wish to participate are asked to register their interest on a Facebook event page posted by the Charlestown Citizens Alliance.

"There is a small group of people in our community, or those driving through Charlestown, who throw their drink and food containers out of their car windows. The result is an accumulation of litter along the roadsides," the Alliance says.

The idea for the annual cleanup came a couple of years ago when resident Warren Schwartz suggested the concept at a Town Council meeting, the Alliance reports. People showed up and collected nearly 100 bags of litter, and the town offered the transfer station for free.

Last year the pandemic quashed the event, but it's on for 2021 with appropriate precautions in place. Masks and social distancing are recommended. People are asked to wear bright colors for safety reasons. People are encouraged to pick up roadside trash at any time, but amnesty day at the transfer station is April 17.

Blue bags and gloves can be picked up at Charlestown Town Hall from April 9 through the 17th. Town Hall hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30-4:30. Bags will be available at the Department of Public Works front desk.