Watch the Digital Desk conversation with Program Manager Sarah Sterzing.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – It’s officially spring! What better way to celebrate the start of springtime by cleaning up your local streets, neighborhoods and beaches.

In Norfolk, the three-month city-wide effort, Great American Cleanup is officially underway. Hosted by Keep Norfolk Beautiful, it is an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues nationally and cleanup your local community.

Program Manager Sarah Sterzing shared how to get involved in this year’s cleanup efforts in a Digital Desk livestream. Watch the full conversation in the video player on this page.

From March to May 31, be a part of the effort and clean your street, community, parks or even a beach. This year’s theme is “Love Our City: Litter-Free Norfolk”.

The Great American Cleanup Kickoff is Friday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lafayette Park, 3500 Granby St. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged for assigning tasks and alerting volunteers of any weather updates. To register for the event click here.

Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 are Keep Norfolk Beautiful Days, Block-by-Block. They are open days to encourage everyone to get involved.

“That’s sort of a call to action in the community,” Sterzing said. “Get out and you can clean at your own curb or you can clean in your neighborhood, your faith community, you organization. Get yourself or a group of people together”.

Multiple cleanups are already scheduled in neighborhoods across the city.

Sign up for this year’s events or host your own event for the Great American Cleanup 2024. Sign up at the link here or email knb@norfolk.gov. Keep Norfolk Beautiful will provide training and supplies.

Visit askhrgreen.org to find more events throughout the region.

Great American Cleanup Gallery

  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.
  • Great American Cleanup event at Lafayette Park. Photo courtesy of City of Norfolk, Keep Norfolk Beautiful.

Mark your calendars

The Special Waste Collection Event will take place on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Azalea Baptist Church, 3314 E. Little Creek Rd. It is for drive-thru and drop-off. It is free and open to the public for Norfolk residents only. Proof of residency is required at the event.

Photo courtesy of Keep Norfolk Beautiful/ The City of Norfolk.

Recycle electronics, household hazardous waste, grocery bags and clear film. There will be secure, on-site shredding and a tree giveaway (while supplies last).

Click here to find out more information about the event.

Tips for daily life

Sterzing offered tips for each person to assist in the efforts in their everyday life.

  • Use less single-use plastic.
  • Bring reusable bags to the grocery store, or reuse plastic grocery bags.
  • Recycle properly.
  • Find recycle drop-off sites or special events for items like electronics.
  • Bring a trash bag wherever you go to clean up your space, especially at a park or beach.

Learn more about Keep Norfolk Beautiful and find out ways to get involved all year long by visiting www.norfolk.gov/KNB. Find the most recent updates for upcoming events at the Keep Norfolk Beautiful Facebook page.