By Justin Criado

In an effort to fight litter and illegal dumpsites, and increase recycling rates throughout Northside, the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) and Allegheny CleanWays have partnered with the Buhl Foundation to launch the “Northside Keeps It Clean” campaign.

“A recent survey of Northside residents revealed that 51 percent reported litter as a pressing issue. Furthermore, the Northside serves as home to numerous residents, businesses, organizations, entertainment venues and stadiums, making it an excellent fit for this multi-tiered initiative,” PRC Western Regional Director Justin Stockdale said in a statement. “By collaborating with the Buhl Foundation and Northside community groups, PRC and Allegheny CleanWays will distribute a thousand free blue recycling containers to residents to increase the number of people recycling.”

In addition to placing recycling bins in residences and public spaces, the “Northside Keeps It Clean” campaign, which started last fall, features in-school education, illegal dumpsite cleanups, film screenings and other projects.

All Northside residents interested in receiving a free 32-gallon recycling container must register in advance to attend one of the upcoming events:

• Saturday, Feb, 27, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., Manchester Citizens Corporation.
• Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Allen Place in Observatory Hill.
• Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., The Pittsburgh Project in Perry Hilltop.
• Monday, March 28, 5-7 p.m., The Pittsburgh Project in Perry Hilltop.
• Saturday, April 9,  10 a.m.-12 p.m., the community garden on East Ohio Street beside Arnold’s Tea in Historic Deutschtown.
• Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in Brighton Heights (location to be announced).
• Saturday, April 23, from 6-9 p.m., Wigle Whiskey Barrel House in Spring Garden.

“By providing households with recycling containers we know that we increase the number of people recycling and decrease contamination in the recyclable materials,” Stockdale said. “The bin holds more recyclables, serves as a reminder every collection day and includes clear guidelines explaining what is recyclable.”

To register and to learn more about this initiative and other projects in the Northside visit the official website or call Mary Kate Ranii at 412-488-7490 ext. 105.