Tackle the Trash

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Spring, the season of renewal, has elicited enthusiastic citizen response to cleaning up parks, trails, and recreational areas in El Paso County since 2013. The inaugural Tackle the Trash (TTT) county-wide cleanup, held on April 27, 2013, was so successful that it has become an annual event. This program provides the opportunity for organizations, employees, and residents to meet their elected officials while completing a variety of cleanup projects in public spaces throughout El Paso County. Cleanup sites are offered in each of the five County Commissioner districts, which makes it easy for volunteers to select an area that is convenient for them. People litter because they feel no sense of ownership; even though areas such as parks and trails are public property, they think that others will pick up after them. By participating in the TTT program, citizens can experience a sense of pride in helping to return public recreational areas to their naturally clean and inviting condition. Tackle the Trash has proven to be fun, family-friendly gatherings of conscientious citizens who enjoy the camaraderie of a group effort to beautify public recreational areas in the County.