Spring has arrived and that means it’s time for some spring cleaning. The City of Duluth supports community cleanup initiatives that address the problem of litter and illegal dumping throughout its neighborhoods. To maximize cleanup efforts, residents are encouraged to get involved with an initiative near them.
“Every spring, as winter leaves us, we see more litter and garbage appear,” says Cheryl Skafte, coordinator with Keep Duluth Clean. “Picking up litter is a simple thing that we all can do to help protect our great lake and keep our community beautiful!”
Keep Duluth Clean is a community, volunteer-led effort that aims to motivate individuals, friends and groups to clean up where they live, work and play. People are encouraged to sign the pledge to clean up by themselves or with a group and share their results afterward. Community efforts to address litter and illegal dumping over the years have resulted in thousands of volunteers removing tons of garbage from public and community spaces in the city.
For the first time this year, the City of Duluth’s Life Safety division is offering an “Adopt-a-Block” program in the Hillside neighborhoods, Lincoln Park and Spirit Valley. Adopters will be provided with cleanup supplies and trash pickup, as well as safe handling tips for hazardous waste. If you are interested in becoming an adopter, please contact Emma Springer in the Life Safety office at espringer@duluthmn.gov or by calling 218-730-4387 for more information.
“Every day, Duluthians ask me how they can help, and spring gives us a great opportunity. Every resident has a role to play in citywide community spring cleaning,” said Mayor Roger Reinert. “Let’s all be proactive to protect our parks, beaches, boulevards, and creeks, and spruce up our neighborhoods one block at a time.”
To get involved:
- Take the Keep Duluth Clean Spring Pledge
- Help Clean Yer Creek on May 2, 2026
- Adopt-A-Block in Lincoln Park, Hillside neighborhoods or Spirit Valley.
For more information on the spring pledge, upcoming events, or learn how to Adopt-A-Block, visit www.keepduluthclean.org.
