Using slogans Litter Travels and Litter is Loud, Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection is targeting litter during Earth Month this April.
The campaign will appear on Ride On and WMATA buses as well as the DEP website and other county social media. The goal is to show residents that litter can spread and build up.
During Fiscal Year 2025, nearly 54 tons of litter were collected by Montgomery County cleanup crews and volunteers. That is equivalent to the weight of about 32 mid‑sized cars, according to DEP.
“Keeping Montgomery County clean isn’t complicated, but it does require people to pay attention and take it seriously,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Litter moves through our storm drains into our streams and rivers, and ultimately into the Chesapeake Bay. At a time when we’re seeing efforts to weaken environmental protections at the federal level, it’s even more important that we take responsibility for what happens in our own communities.”
Residents are being asked to recycle, reduce and pick up trash that they see littered about, or call 311 to report an area where build up has occurred.
“Litter isn’t always the result of someone intentionally dropping trash,” said DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia. “It can blow out of bins on windy days. Everyone can help by securing their trash and recycling containers, picking up litter while out on a walk, or joining your friends and neighbors in a community cleanup.”
Silver Spring Cleanup Event
Earth Month Spring cleanups are planned throughout the county during April, including a Silver Spring event on Saturday, April 11 from 9a.m. to 11 a.m.
Volunteers should meet at the corner of Oakview Drive and E. Light Drive at 9 a.m. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and students may earn SSL hours. Registration is encouraged to ensure enough supplies are available.
To join a cleanup, check out the DEP calendar.
