The City of Iowa City is launching Project Cleanup, a new volunteer-driven program aimed at supporting community-led litter removal efforts across the city. The initiative encourages residents to help keep neighborhoods and walking routes clean and beautiful.

Those interested in participating can stop by either the Iowa City Public Library, City Hall, the Senior Center, or Mercer Park Aquatic Center to pick up a free Project Cleanup Kit. Each kit includes:

• One pair of reusable gloves
• One 16-gallon orange garbage bag
• An instruction sheet with safety and disposal tips

Volunteers are encouraged to clean up litter in public spaces or along familiar routes, but are reminded to obtain permission before entering private property.

After completing a cleanup, volunteers can place their filled orange bags next to their waste receptacle on their regular curbside collection day. No $2.50 sticker is required for disposal of these Project Cleanup bags when used for volunteer litter collection.

To help track the program’s impact, cleanup leaders are encouraged to visit icgov.org/projectcleanup and complete a short survey. The form asks for basic details about the cleanup, including location and number of bags collected.

“This is a simple, direct way for individuals, families, and groups to help prevent litter from ending up in our waterways, by picking it up and ensuring its proper disposal,” said Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator. “Project Cleanup makes it easy for residents to do so at their own pace, with friends or neighbors or on their own, in locations near where they live or work, and have a positive impact. Every effort adds up.”

For more information or to get involved, visit icgov.org/projectcleanup.