Keep Arkansas Beautiful Announces End-of-Year Results for Annual Cleanup Initiatives

The Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission (KAB) announced end-of-year results for its two annual cleanup campaigns. In 2020, 4,157 Arkansans volunteered to improve their communities by removing 153,314 pounds of litter during 212 cleanup events.

KAB promotes its annual spring campaign, the Great American Cleanup (GAmC) and its annual fall campaign, the Great Arkansas Cleanup (GAC). These events are designed to encourage individuals around the state to take responsibility in local and statewide beautification efforts by organizing a cleanup or volunteering at a local event.

“This year held unprecedented challenges for every Arkansan,” said Mark Camp, executive director of KAB. “Yet in the face of these challenges, our dedicated volunteers rallied together across the state to make a positive impact on the environment and in their communities.”

During both cleanup initiatives this year, volunteers were able to remove 410,197 pounds of bulky waste across 1,038 miles of roadside, 116 miles of waterway and shorelines, and 671 acres of parks and public areas. Volunteers also collected 3,496 tires and recycled 19,904 pounds of electronics while planting 384 trees, shrubs and flowers.

“While we did see a decrease in activity year-over-year due to COVID-19, it was truly encouraging to see the support we received for beautification efforts despite the obstacles at-hand. Their dedication really showed the sentiment in the hearts of those across the state,” Camp said.

As 2021 approaches, KAB is encouraging Arkansans to get involved and participate in the spring during the GAmC with litter pickup and beautification projects statewide. Those interested in organizing a cleanup event during the GAmC can get more information at http://bit.ly/KAB-CLEAN.