NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The City of New Brunswick will host a number of cleanup events in honor of Urban Clean-Up week, which spans from April 21-27.

These will include litter cleanups at various locations throughout the city, as well as opportunities for residents to recycle electronics and obtain free compost, mulch and flowers.

Monday, April 21 is Make Your Storefront Look Great Day. Volunteers will help businesses remove litter from the storefront, wash sidewalks, and remove graffiti and clean windows.

Tuesday April 22 is School Kids Sweep Up Day, where 5th grade students from select schools will clean up litter at school and in the neighborhood surrounding the school. Students will be educated about how they can help protect the environment. They will participate in a Clean City Celebration and play in a slam dunk the junk tournament.

Wednesday April 23 is Earth Day at the Department of Public Works, where residents can drop off paint, paint related items, TV’s and computers for recycling from 9 am – 2 pm. Residents can pick up 20 free biodegradeable leaf bags per property. Residents can take free compost and mulch while supplies last.

On Thursday April 24, non-profits and houses of worship are encouraged to clean up litter on their property.

Friday, April 25 is ‘Flower Up Friday,” where the first 200 New Brunswick residents can pick up two free 4-packs of annual flowers at Livingston Park Nursery near Livingston Park Nursery near Livingston Avenue at 1036 How Lane from 8am – 6 pm.  Additional flowers can be purchased for 20% off that day for New Brunswick residents only.

On Saturday, April 26 residents will conduct cleanups at various locations throughout the city.

On Sunday, April 27 residents are encouraged to clean-up their own lawns and sidewalks.

To get involved in a cleanup, call Recycling Coordinator Donna Caputo at  (732) 745-5059 or visit cityofnewbrunswick.org for more information.

New Brunswick residents have already conducted a number of clean-ups in the local area.

On April 5 over 60 volunteers participated in the “Let’s Get Growing Community Garden Clean-up” at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion & Gardens at 178 Jones Ave. The crew prepared the various community gardens around the city for the upcoming growing season.

“It was great,” said Amanda Gallear, one of the organizers of the community gardens. “We had over 60 people from each of the gardens [collectively].”

Another recent clean-up saw residents pitch-in to help a local waterway. About 20 volunteers cleaned a tributary which drains into Weston’s Mill Pond in East Brunswick. The crew collected 20 bags of trash, 17 bags of recycling, two car fenders, two traffic signs and a 15 x 15 foot rug.

The clean-up was organized by the New Brunswick Environmental Commission, New Brunswick Public Works Department, and the Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership.

Sports Reporter at New Brunswick Today | 732-208-5651 | acangiano@nb.today

Experienced journalist and educator who loves writing about local issues and social justice. Also a big fan of Rutgers sports.

Experienced journalist and educator who loves writing about local issues and social justice. Also a big fan of Rutgers sports.