Breakup in Alaska; cleanup in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Armed with orange garbage bags, Anchorage residents are clearing litter and debris ahead of tourist season and warm weather.

The yearly citywide cleanup kicked off at Westchester Lagoon on Saturday. Organized by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Matson, there’s a chance for participants to win prizes in drawings – and free dump passes once they’ve filled their bags and are ready to get rid of them.

“I think ideally people would like to clean up year-round, but in the winter it’s just not possible when new snow falls on top of any litter or any debris that’s been around,” Kathleen McArdle, President and CEO of Anchorage Chamber of Commerce said. “So, when spring comes, that’s the time for us to reawaken and clean up everything around us.”

At the kickoff, people picked up trash right in front of them while others took bags and gloves and safety gear for use later in the month in their own neighborhoods.

McArdle reminded participants that their bags must be disposed of at a participating location, not to be left on the side of the road.

Find more information about dedicated dump sites, prizes from Matson, and how to participate in cleanup here.

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