Report: Arkansans’ volunteer cleanup efforts in 2016 valued at $1.83 million

According to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission (KABC), more than 14,000 Arkansas residents volunteered in local activities across the state in 2016 to pick up more than 2.3 million pounds of litter, bulky waste and used tires.

As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the KABC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism that works to inspire and educate individuals to reduce litter and recycle. The KABC is funded by 1% of the eighth-cent conservation tax, according to the commission.

Twice each year, the KABC coordinates and promotes statewide community cleanups and litter pickups: the spring Great American Cleanup in Arkansas and the fall Great Arkansas Cleanup. The Great American Cleanup begins each year in March and concludes at the end of May. The Great Arkansas Cleanup begins in September and continues through October.

Volunteers picked up litter from more than 2,500 miles of roadway and waterway; 17,400 acres of parks and public areas were cleaned up; and more than 4,000 trees, shrubs and flowers were planted during 304 local cleanup events statewide, according to the KABC.

“We are especially proud of those who take pride in Arkansas by participating in local cleanup events,” Robert Phelps, executive director of the commission, said in a statement. “These initiatives not only create cleaner Arkansas communities but they also increase personal accountability for our state’s cleanliness and beauty while teaching and encouraging positive behavior among younger generations.”