Harpswell’s annual roadside cleanup in commemoration of Earth Day will take place the week of April 14-19.
After last year’s rain depressed participation in the usual Saturday cleanup known as John Gilliam Day, town committees decided to ask volunteers to participate any day of the week leading up to April 19. Named after founder John Lewis Gilliam, this tradition of clearing Harpswell’s roads of trash has taken place on the Saturday closest to Earth Day.
The event relies on volunteers to clean up litter along Harpswell’s roadways for pickup in the early afternoon on Saturday, April 19. Harpswell’s Recycling Committee, Department of Recreation and Community Services, and Conservation Commission help to make the event possible.
Trash bags will be available at the Bailey Island General Store and Uncle Pete’s Community Market. Volunteers may also use their own trash bags. Returnable bottles and cans can be collected in a separate bag for redemption or donation.
After collecting a winter’s worth of litter, volunteers are asked to leave full trash bags on Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell Islands Road, Mountain Road, or Cundy’s Harbor Road. All volunteers are invited to enjoy pizza at the Town Office at noon on April 19.
On Saturday afternoon, a group of Recycling Committee volunteers will pick up the trash bags from the roadsides and take them to Harpswell’s Recycling Center and Transfer Station.
Over the years, volunteers have rid Harpswell’s roadsides of tons of trash and returned hundreds of bottles, but miles of roads are missed. Organizers hope for even more volunteers to ensure a thorough cleanup this year.
