Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging residents to “Keep It Clean, Montgomery,” as part of an Earth Month anti‑litter campaign. The campaign will appear on Ride On and WMATA buses, the DEP website, and County social media, highlighting how “Litter Travels,” “Litter Is Loud,” and “Litter Builds Up,” and underscoring the environmental impact of litter in local communities. 

In Fiscal Year 2025, volunteers, Adopt‑a‑Road partners, and County crews collected nearly 54 tons of litter. That may seem like a lot, but it’s only equivalent to the weight of about 32 mid‑sized cars, suggesting how much trash still remains in our communities.

DEP is raising awareness about the impacts of litter, actions residents can take, and how to report problem areas to help keep the County clean. 

“Litter may seem small, but it doesn’t stay where it lands,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Keeping Montgomery County clean isn’t complicated, but it does require people to pay attention and take it seriously. Litter moves through our storm drains into our streams and rivers, and ultimately into the Chesapeake Bay. At a time when we’re seeing efforts to weaken environmental protections at the federal level, it’s even more important that we take responsibility for what happens in our own communities. This campaign is about reminding people that everyday actions have real consequences. Let’s avoid littering, pick up what we can, and call 311 when we see areas where trash is piling up.”

The campaign encourages residents to take simple actions that contribute to a cleaner Montgomery County, such as volunteering, reducing waste, and reporting litter to 311. DEP hopes the effort will remind residents how litter affects waterways and neighborhoods and inspire more people to get involved and take action. 

“Litter isn’t always the result of someone intentionally dropping trash,” said DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia. “It can blow out of bins on windy days. Everyone can help by securing their trash and recycling containers, picking up litter while out on a walk, or joining your friends and neighbors in a community cleanup.”   

Spring Cleanup Event: 

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Residents are invited to join DEP’s spring cleanup at 9 a.m. in Silver Spring on Saturday, April 11. Volunteers will meet at the corner of Oakview Drive and E. Light Drive. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and students may earn SSL hours. Registration is encouraged to ensure enough supplies are available. 

To learn more about the clean up visit the Earth Month Spring Cleanup registration site. 

For more information about the litter campaign, visit the DEP Litter website.  

To join a cleanup, check out the DEP calendar.  

Read the original article at mcgov