Volunteer Litter Cleanup Program

About the Program

Category: Volunteers (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Volunteer Litter Cleanup Program Jefferson County, Alabama Abstract of the Program Following the loss of a major source of funding in 2011 which resulted in Chapter 9 bankruptcy, the Jefferson County Commission implemented a series of cutbacks in personnel and services. In addition to budgetary challenges, Jefferson County experienced a devastating tornado outbreak in 2011. With reduced resources, the County made tornado recovery its priority, resulting in its inability to remove litter from County maintained roadways. When the County’s Stormwater Program staff affiliated with Alabama People Against a Littered State in 2012 to complement its public education efforts, the Commission financially supported this pilot project in order to address litter. This enabled Stormwater Program staff to identify and engage residents, prompting the creation of the County’s Volunteer Litter Cleanup Program (VLCP). The VLCP relies heavily upon other County departments to work together and provide support to make this program a success. Through contacts established via the VLCP, the County has been able to offer other resources and services to residents. In addition, unincorporated areas of the County have used the VLCP as a way to establish community organizations and associations. Entering its sixth year, the VLCP continues to provide benefits to County operations, services and residents that extend beyond litter removal.