Frederick County Clean Sweep partners with the Community Inmate Workforce and the Virginia Department of Transportation, Stephens City Office, to perform litter cleanup efforts along county roads. During 2021, the CIWF contributed services valued at $49,041, collecting 25 tons of unsightly litter. The county is proud of this volunteer-based achievement.

This tally does not include the removal of illegally dumped tires, mattresses, appliances and other bulky items. The crew's effort are in addition to pickup programs by VDOT and Adopt-a-Highway volunteers.

Keep A Lid On It! Prevent Litter.

Prevention is the very best way to keep our community clean and green:

• Set an example. Keep your property litter-free.
• Secure all trash can lids and loads before heading to the landfill or convenience site.
• Carry a litter bag in your car.
• Never toss debris or food out of the car window.
• Businesses -- provide ash and trash receptacles and all entrances and exits. Secure dumpsters.
• Organize a community cleanup.

Plant Pride, Not Litter

Community volunteers are encouraged to join the hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers already cleaning up roadways and waterways across the Commonwealth. For those coordinating a one-time effort, supplies (bags, litter grabbers, vests) are available on a loan basis by contacting the Clean Sweep office. Find out more about national litter, recycling, waste reduction, beautification, and graffiti abatement at www.kab.org.

Cigarette Butt Litter

In 2022, Frederick County Clean Sweep was awarded a Green Grant by Keep Virginia Beautiful in order to raise awareness about cigarette butts as a litter issue in the Frederick County and provide cigarette butt receptacles at Bowman Trail next to the library. During a three-month canvass of five heavily-traveled intersections across the county, the Clean Sweep crew collected a total of 17,944 cigarette butts.

• Did you know that cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item in America?
• About 32 percent of all litter collected are cigarette butts.
• Thirty percent of smokers report littering with the last 30 days.
• Because of the cellulose or plastic filter, 95 percent of a cigarette butt does not biodegrade.
• Once butts are on the ground, they can wash into storm drains and waterways, harming aquatic life. 
• Cigarette butts accumulated along busy intersections are particularly unsightly. Please dispose of butts properly. It's the law.
• Be a part of solution. Whether you are a smoker or a nonsmoker. Advocate for cigarette butt receptacles at your workplace and favorite businesses and restaurants.