The Town of Cobourg is calling on residents to take part in the 16th annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge running April 19 to 25 across Northumberland County.
The initiative invites community members to help remove litter from local roadsides, parks, trails and public spaces. Participants are asked to register online in advance and select the area they plan to clean. Filled garbage bags can be left at the roadside for collection by town staff.
Supplies, including gloves and garbage bags, will be available for pickup at the Cobourg Community Centre from April 13 to 25 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Officials are again reminding volunteers not to handle hazardous or dangerous materials and to report those items so they can be safely removed by trained staff.
The annual challenge also includes a friendly competition between municipalities, with recognition given for the highest participation rates and amount of litter collected. In 2025, more than 2,400 volunteers took part across the county, with Cobourg earning top honours for the highest proportional participation.
Residents can also join Mayor Lucas Cleveland for a community clean-up event on Sunday, April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Cobourg Marina. The event will focus on parks, the waterfront and downtown areas, with a special effort to collect cigarette waste.
Officials note cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter and can take years to break down, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Collected cigarette waste will be recycled through a specialized program as part of the initiative.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
