Pitch-in week is officially underway, and the city is asking residents to help clean the community.
“We have pitch-in week, which is our kickoff event for the whole week to encourage the community to get out and help clean up throughout,” said Johan Jones, manager of waste and environmental programs, City of Lloydminster.
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The kickoff to the week was held at St. Mary’s Elementary School, where kids learned all about disposing waste.
“Educate the youth. That’s why we’re here today, if we help out together in the community and help encourage the youth to do the same,” said Jones.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers says it’s an opportunity for young people to lead the way.
“It’s the opportunity to help our young people who are so important to help lead us in pitching in and cleaning up the garbage and debris that’s been left here after the winter,” he said.
“The kids are our future. I think that they’ll go home and say to their parents, ‘Mom and dad we need to put that pizza box here.’ ”
Throughout the week, residents are encouraged to sweep sidewalks, pick up litter and complete other cleaning measures within their properties and nearby community spaces.
While kids get a crash course on litter and cleaning, Aalbers says crews are out.
“This week we’ll be picking up garbage. If you drive around anywhere in the city, our summer parks team, grass-cutting team, are constantly picking up garbage before they cut,” he said.
Aalbers says it’s important to deal with the garbage appropriately.
“To make sure we’re putting the waste where it’s best suited,” he said. “The landfill is the most expensive way to deal with garbage.”
Spring brings challenges when it comes to litter in the city.
“This time of year, the snow goes away and lots of litter shows up from the winter months,” said Jones.
The pitch-in week message is about being proactive in cleaning.
“We ask people not to litter, that’s the biggest piece. If you see some garbage, pick it up,” said Aalbers.
The week wraps up with one final event this upcoming weekend (May 3).
“We’ll finish it off on Saturday with the household recycling roundup over at the exhibition grounds, where it’s items that you’re unsure of where to dispose of,” said Aalbers.
Kids not only had the chance to clean, but they received a prize for appropriately sorting the garbage items.
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