Citywide cleanup effort set for April 17-18 in Albany

ALBANY — A citywide push to clean and beautify Albany will return April 17-18 as Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful hosts its annual “Stash the Trash” event, mobilizing residents for a coordinated effort to reduce litter and improve public spaces.

Organizers are inviting volunteer teams to register and select designated cleanup areas — or locations of their choice — across the city during the two-day initiative. Last year’s event drew 2,456 volunteers, and officials say they are aiming to build on that momentum.

“We are excited to bring the community together again for this effort,” Lauryn Griffin, project manager for Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful, said. “This event continues to grow each year, and it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when people take pride in where they live.”

The cleanup anchors a broader weeklong Earth Day celebration across Albany and Dougherty County, with additional events designed to expand participation and reinforce long-term environmental stewardship.

During Earth Week, organizers will host two additional cleanups in partnership with Publix and Georgia’s Own Credit Union, creating more opportunities for residents to get involved beyond the main event. Youth engagement also will be a central focus, with volunteers scheduled to read to students at Prep Academy and Land of the Little People.

On Earth Day, the organization will partner with UGA Extension and 4-H to lead a hands-on recycling project that repurposes plastic bottles, offering a practical lesson in sustainability. The week will conclude with a cleanup at a local school, reinforcing the initiative’s emphasis on engaging younger generations.

Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful operates as a local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit that works with community partners, volunteers and public agencies to reduce litter, increase recycling and improve neighborhoods.

That work is part of a broader national effort, including the Greatest American Cleanup, a multi-year initiative tied to the country’s 250th anniversary on July 4. The campaign aims to mobilize communities nationwide to improve public spaces and strengthen civic pride ahead of the semiquincentennial.

Locally, organizers say the goal remains straightforward: Bring people together to take ownership of their surroundings and create visible, lasting improvements across the community.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance by searching “City of Albany Stash the Trash” online or by visiting the city office at 125 Pine Ave., Suite 140. While the deadline to receive a free T-shirt has passed, teams can still sign up to participate.

Organizers also encourage businesses, organizations and individuals interested in hosting or partnering on future efforts to contact Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful at (229) 302-3098, visit the office or connect through social media.