More than two tonnes of garbage was extracted from the Township of Langley’s streets, parks, and waterways during the annual Clean Up Langley Day event, which saw people of all ages pitch in to remove trash that had been improperly discarded.
More than 31 different private and public cleanups took place throughout the Township on Saturday, April 27, up from 26 last year, said Township of Langley Solid Waste Coordinator Lovena Morton. The amount of waste collected this spring was higher than last year’s 1,960 kg, as event partner Sierra Waste collected 2,175 kg from participating groups, and additional waste gathered at a few other cleanups was disposed of by event volunteers.
Amongst the litter collected, volunteers found an old bike, a car tire, propane tanks, and couch cushions.
“More than 400 people volunteered to team up with their neighbours and friends and help clean up their community during the 8th annual event,” said Morton. “This year we had 19 new hosts and 12 returning hosts. Some of the volunteers were familiar faces, but there were many new volunteers as well. It’s always exciting to see the number of people who take the time to come out to help take care of our environment.”
“Every single effort makes a difference and is appreciated,” said Morton.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Less litter than expected during annual Langley City clean-up
During the Clean Up, the Live in Langley Chinese Association broke into small groups and cumulatively cleaned all of 208 Street, from 72 Avenue to Allard Crescent - a distance of just over 7km.
First-time cleanup host Erin Carter impressed organizers by recruiting 15 people to help her clean up the Langley Lane Greenway in Walnut Grove, and the BC Greens of Langley collected the equivalent of nearly an entire load of garbage from their one cleanup.
Langley Meadows Community Association and the Aldergrove Business Association (ABA) had the most volunteers, Morton said, and the ABA went above and beyond by offering treats and beverages to anyone who helped out.
Justin Smith with the Langley Immanuel Christian Reformed Church coordinated a cleanup in Murrayville, Sarah Hulme got her sorority girls from Eta Xi to pitch in, and the 2277 Army Cadet Corps were out cleaning Yorkson Community Park in full uniform.
“Clean Up Langley Day is a really effective and fun way to have a positive impact on our community and the environment, and residents are encouraged to keep the spirit of Clean Up Langley Day going all year long,” Morton said.
Through the Township of Langley’s Adopt-a-Program, individuals, groups, businesses, and schools can choose a street, park, trail, or creek to “adopt” and commit to removing litter from that area during a one-time event or on an ongoing basis. The Township provides cleaning supplies, safety information, garbage removal, and a recognition sign for long-term adoptions. Visit tol.ca/adopt.
As well, people can take small actions that have a big impact every day, by thinking about how and where items are disposed of. Many things can be reused, recycled, donated, or upcycled into something new, Morton said. To learn more, visit tol.ca/recycle.
For more information, contact Lovena Morton, Township of Langley Solid Waste Coordinator, at lmorton@tol.ca.
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