Spring Clean ’19 event hopes to spur anti-litter campaign

In an effort to clean up litter throughout Salisbury, the city’s Community Appearance Commission (CAC) will host the first, community-wide Spring Clean ’19, Saturday, May 11, beginning at 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Members of the CAC hope the one-day clean-up will start a focus on anti-litter.

The drop-in, litter clean-up day asks residents to schedule at least one hour on next Saturday to help pick up trash in one of nine areas:

·       Innes St. from I-85 to Mahaley Ave.

·       Main St. from Five Points to the Town of East Spencer

·       Julian Rd. from the fairgrounds to the Town of East Spencer

·       Fulton St. from Five Points to City Park

·       Confederate Ave. and around City Park

·       Brenner Ave. from Jake Alexander Blvd. to Statesville Blvd.

·       Mahaley Ave. from Innes St. to Novant Health Regional Medical Center

·       Old Concord Rd. Julian Rd. to the Town of Spencer

“Over the past few months, our residents and members of the Community Appearance Commission have noticed what appears to be an increase in litter throughout our City,” said Jane Creech, CAC chair. “It’s unfortunate that litter bugs don’t respect our environment nor the beauty of Salisbury. In partnership with code enforcement, public services and the Salisbury Housing Advocacy Commission, we decided to do something about it. Spring Clean ‘19 Day on May 11^th comes at a great time -- just before we welcome tens of thousands to visitors to Salisbury for the Cheerwine Festival. If you truly love our community, please help keep it clean.”

Residents who assist in Spring Clean ’19 are encouraged to use the hashtag #TrashTagChallenge or #SpringClean19 in their social media posts. The popular #TrashTagChallenge is currently trending as communities are documenting their litter clean-up around the world.

Trash bags, gloves, reflective vests, pickers and other equipment will be available for pickup behind City Hall, 217 South Main Street on the morning of Spring Clean. Coffee and water also will be offered. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.