Northumberland County is inviting residents to roll up their sleeves and take part in the 16th annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge in recognition of Earth Day.
The week long event will run from April 20 to 25, bringing together residents across the county to help remove litter from roadsides, parks, trails, and other shared spaces. The challenge is delivered in partnership with local municipalities and encourages friendly competition between communities.
Participants are asked to register through their local municipality and will be provided with supplies including garbage bags, gloves, and safety vests. Municipalities with the highest proportion of volunteers and the most litter collected per participant will be recognized with awards.
The initiative has grown steadily since it began in 2009. Nearly 28,000 volunteers have taken part over the years, helping remove more than 200,000 kilograms of waste from across Northumberland. In 2025, Cobourg earned top honours for participation, while Cramahe was recognized for collecting the most litter per volunteer.
The event coincides with Earth Day on April 22, an annual global initiative focused on raising awareness about environmental challenges and encouraging action to protect natural spaces.
County officials say the clean up effort is not only about reducing litter, but also about fostering a sense of community pride and shared responsibility for the environment.
Residents interested in participating can find registration details and additional information through Northumberland County’s Earth Day webpage.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
