Westmoreland Cleanways, Unity pledge their help in effort to gather 25 billion pieces of litter

The Westmoreland County leaders who gathered this week in Unity to sign a pledge to do their part to remove 25 billion pieces of litter across the country used the event itself as an example of waste reduction.

Food offered to those who attended Thursday’s event was served on reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones, Westmoreland Cleanways Executive Director Mike Skapura pointed out.

As part of their Greatest American Cleanup declaration, Unity officials and Westmoreland Cleanways agreed to build upon their existing efforts in the coming year by organizing three community cleanups and two reduce, reuse, recycle experiences that champion responsible waste disposal and resource conservation. The partners also plan to hold an event to celebrate their contributions toward the national effort.

Area residents, businesses, organizations and municipalities brought more than 3 million pounds of discarded items and materials to Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling’s recycling center last year, an increase from the 1.8 million pounds it received in 2021.

The Unity nonprofit wants to see that trend continue by participating in the Greatest American Cleanup.

Unity is one of 25,000 communities across the country participating in the Keep America Beautiful campaign. The goal is to remove 25 billion pieces of litter from America’s public spaces in advance of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration on July 4, 2026.

“It’s like cleaning your house before a big event,” said Skapura. “We want to clean up our roads and highways so we can celebrate.”

Supervisors Chairman Mike O’Barto said the township benefits from the volunteer efforts of residents and local school and community groups who help to pick up litter.

The township also has held an annual spring cleanup day each April since 2020, partnering with Westmoreland Cleanways. The township places large roll-off garbage bins at its municipal office and in several population centers where residents can dispose of non-hazardous household rubbish. On the same day, township residents can bring other permitted items such as tires and Freon-containing appliances to Westmoreland Cleanways, which waives any fees it normally collects for recycling them.

“It’s a massive cleanup,” said O’Barto. “We go through 50 roll-offs, and they’re filled to the max.”

Skapura said word has spread about the successful Unity cleanups, and Westmoreland Cleanways has begun to partner on similar efforts with other area townships including Derry, Mt. Pleasant and Hempfield.