In an effort to make every day Earth Day, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors is working collaboratively to step up litter cleanup efforts throughout the township.
During Monday’s virtual meeting, the Supervisors unanimously approved a maintenance services litter collection agreement with PennDOT to allow Falls Township’s public works department to rid state-owned roadways of trash. Without the agreement, Falls crews would not be permitted to pick up garbage on any state roads.
Falls kicked off an extensive litter cleanup effort in March and asked Falls Township Police to step up enforcement of littering and dumping. Since then, residents have commented on numerous social media posts about problem areas. Most of those roads deemed litter hot spots - including Route 1, Route 13, Old Bristol Pike and Tyburn Road - are owned by the state.
Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence commended the public works staff for its efforts.
“The public works department is doing a great job,” Dence said. “I’ve seen them all over.”
In addition to clearing state roads of garbage, Dence said staff could cut back bushes along the entrance to Route 1 to help police with speeding.
Supervisor John Palmer echoed Dence’s sentiments and said public works employees are going above and beyond.
“They’re really taking our community back from the litter,” Palmer said. “They’re going back into bushes, behind trees.”
To get involved
Falls residents have inquired about participating in an organized litter cleanup day. Falls Township asks residents wishing to help to consider planning a cleanup in their neighborhood or development and leave the major roadways to township staff. Anyone wishing to pick up litter in their community can request trash bags, rubber gloves and safety vests by emailing Public Works Director Jason Lawson at j.lawson@fallstwp.com.
