The Great American Cleanup in Rockland County, which is coordinated by Keep Rockland Beautiful and many local cleanup leaders, is Rockland's biggest annual community improvement event.  

Be part of the thousands of volunteers (families, civic and youth groups, businesses) to join or lead cleanup crews, bagging tons of trash from streets, parks and streams, and connecting with neighbors and the outdoors. It's fun, practical, meaningful, and easy. You gather some friends and we provide the bags and other treats to help you go for it!  You do your cleanup, leave the bags for the local highway department, and report your cleanup results to KRB. Not sure where your help is needed? We can help.  Check out the Online Map of Cleanup Sites showing over 100 of our most popular cleanup sites from last year.  You can join in at one of the spots listed or let us know where you would like to clean up. We'll update the map with your cleanup plans. To get started, download the Cleanup Registration Forms and review the Tips for Safe Cleanups. You will see a sample flyer and other useful information for your crew. If possible, register via the online registration form to be entered in a raffle to win a Troy-Bilt weed wacker or leaf blower.

In 2009, there were over 300 cleanups registered, around 4000 volunteers involved, and we bagged up to 40 tons of trash. Call Andy Stewart, Executive Director of Keep Rockland Beautiful, with your questions and ideas, 845-708-9159, krbexdir@aol.com

Register on-line and WIN!

Cleanup leaders who register their cleanup plans or report their cleanup results on-line will be entered in a raffle. Top prizes from 2009 were a Troy Bilt backpack leafblower and a Troy Bilt weed trimmer, both valued at just under $200. Other past prizes have included expert garden consultations, outings on the Sloop Clearwater, artworks, Little Scoops birthday party, and "de-cluttering" services from Donna Yannazone of Organized Oasis.

Sponsors Needed! (Or should we say, "trash bags needed"? See who sponsored in 2009 and help us reach our goal of $25,000 for supplies and ads in 2010... )

Campaign Events

Each spring we hold a "Kickoff" event to distribute t-shirts, trash bags and litter grabbers, have some fun together, and get revved up for the cleanups taking place from April through June. Check here for details about the Kickoff and other volunteer support events.

Special Program for Schools

The schools that rally the most cleanup crews (students, families and friends) to register for the Great American Cleanup will receive special recognition from Keep Rockland Beautiful, including a free "Earth B.E.A.T." environmental education program for next year. Please let us know which school you are affiliated with when you fill out your cleanup registration and report forms.

Create a "Green Team"

Our spring and fall cleanup campaigns go a long way in getting tons of trash off of our streets, parks, and beaches, but you see how much garbage makes its way back into our neighborhoods on a daily basis. You can help keep Rockland beautiful throughout the year by becoming a Green Team. As a Green Team, you commit to getting out regularly to clean up a site of your choosing. KRB also facilitates adopt-a-highway, adopt-a-spot, adopt-a-stream and adopt-a-trashcan.

All Green Teams will receive a Green Team Certificate and a free Litter Grabber.  

T-Shirt Contest

Contest rules Open to students in 8th - 12th grade in Rockland - we received about 50 design proposals in 2009. We'll unveil the winning design and runner-ups at the Kick-Off event (TDA) in April 2010. Entry form  Flyer (b&w)  Flyer (color)

KRB services include: Fundraising for campaign supplies and giveaways (trash bags, t-shirts, etc.). Guidance on site selection and volunteer coordination. Campaign publicity via street banners, temporary signs and traditional media. Referrals of volunteers to existing cleanup crews. Recognition and celebration of volunteers via the campaign Kickoff and Volunteer Reception events. Environmental education materials, presentations and guidance. Follow up on illegal dumpsites, graffiti and other issues discovered during cleanups.

Will you lead a cleanup? Just pick a place, time and date, and then recruit some friends to join you. KRB will help make it a fun and rewarding experience — and don’t forget to take pictures!