According to National Geographic, Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. It encourages us to be good stewards of the resources we have and to manage and conserve it responsibly. Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd in the United States.

Credit: City of Dubuque / Canva
Credit: City of Dubuque / Canva
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And the City of Dubuque hoping to do their part. They are challenging residents to collect one bag of litter for Earth Day on Saturday, April 22nd.

Credit: City of Dubuque
Credit: City of Dubuque
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According to a press release, this challenge is part of the City’s “Keep Dubuque Clean” initiative, which encourages residents to help keep their city beautiful by collecting a bag of litter occasionally, or by “adopting a spot” and making a commitment to regularly clean that public space.

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Green “Keep Dubuque Clean” trash bags are available to be picked up at:

  • The City’s Municipal Services Center at 925 Kerper Ct., Dubuque, which is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • The utility billing counter in City Hall at 50 W 13th Street, Dubuque, which is open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Friday 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

After picking up a bag, residents are encouraged to clean up a park, neighborhood, or any public location by collecting litter in the area. The City is encouraging residents to take a picture with their “Keep Dubuque Clean” bag full, and post on social media asking friends and family in Dubuque to accept the challenge too, also tagging @CityOfDubuque and using the #KeepDubuqueClean hashtag. Full “Keep Dubuque Clean” bags can than be tied and set to the curb on residents’ regularly scheduled collection day; no tag necessary.

“Litter can blow into places all over Dubuque, and it can be hard for City staff to collect it all. Collecting one bag may not seem like it will make a difference, but if all residents of Dubuque do, together we can make a difference.”

-Jake Jansen, City of Dubuque Resource Management Supervisor 

With an emphasis on Earth Day, the “Keep Dubuque Clean” bags are actually available year-round for residents to use. In fact, any residents interested in hosting a group clean up are encouraged to coordinate efforts with the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency by filling out a “Contact Us” form on the agency’s website. The DMASWA provides groups with large quantities of collection bags, trash grabbers, and will coordinate a bag pick up after the event.

Residents interested in committing to regularly cleaning a public space are encouraged to sign up for the City’s “Adopt-A-Spot” program. “Adopt-A-Spot” activities may include removing litter, reporting graffiti, keeping storm drains clear, landscape maintenance, and more.

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