Cumberland County Hosts Record-breaking 31st Annual Trash Hunt

MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY. (April 5, 2023) – Every March, the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program hosts a county-wide Trash Hunt to promote awareness and accountability for preserving the environment. The Clean Communities Program is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. It is administered by The Authority of Cumberland County. This year’s annual event took place on Saturday, March 18, as participants throughout the County did their part to keep Cumberland County beautiful.

The annual Trash Hunt would not be possible without the efforts of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen. Since its inception in 1992 with the Sportsmen’s Federation, the Annual Trash Hunt has grown to include local environmental organizations, school groups, and individuals who want to get involved and make a difference. This year’s event was again held in memory of Lee Widjeskog, long-time member and Secretary of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen and back-bone of the Trash Hunt.

“The Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen is grateful for the

continued partnership with The Authority,” said Rich Camp, President of the Cumberland County Federation of Sports

men. “This event started with the Sportsmen’s Federation in 1992, and we are happy to see the tradition continue year after year.”

With the help of The Authority, the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program, the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and the NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program, 474 volunteers from 30 groups participated in the event, making it the largest cleanup to date. The Authority’s Clean Communities program provided gloves, trash bags, and trash pickup after the event to ensure proper disposal. A total of 19.06 tons (38,120 pounds) of waste and 4.46 tons (8,920 pounds) of car tires were removed from various locations throughout Cumberland County. All trash was properly disposed at The Authority’s Solid Waste Complex located on Jesse Bridge Road, Millville.

“First and foremost, I want to thank all our volunteers for their efforts, making this The Authority’s largest Trash Hunt to date,” said Samantha DeFrancisco, Cumberland Cou

nty Recycling and Clean Communities Coordinator. “A special thanks goes out to the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and the NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador’s Program for their continued partnerships, allowing us to manage and host another safe and successful event.”

The Authority and the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program would like to thank all the volunteers who participated in the 2023 record-breaking event. The following groups and volunteers took part in the 31^st Annual Trash Hunt: The Cumberland County Sportsmen’s Federation, Good Sports Gun Club, Menantico Gun Club, South Millville Gun Club, Mauricetown Gun Club, Competition Dirt Riders, East Creek Gun Club, Tri-County Sportsmen MC, Harmony Gun Club, Hickory Gun Club, Fortescue Anglers Fishing Club, Venatores Gun Club, Citizens United of the Maurice River, Pack 4 and Troop 4 Boy Scouts, Cub Pack One, Girl Scout Troop 54321, Sheet Metal Workers Local 27, The Shoppes at Dragon Village, Johnstone School, Cumberland Regional High School Boys Basketball Team, Millville Woman’s Club, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southeast Gateway, First Harvest Credit Union, The Modzelewski Family, The Hoerl Family, The Mazzeo Family, Bill and Lisa Morrison, Diane Paladino and Family, Miss Cumberland County, NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program, and Tim Nociti.

“The Authority continues improve our tomorrow by promoting environmental sustainability in Cumberland County through its Clean Communities Program. We are proud to see so many volunteers take pride and work together to keep Cumberland County beautiful,” said Robert Nedohon, Board Chairman.

For more information on the Cumberland County Clean Communities Programs, please visit www.theauthoritynj.com/clean-communities/.

In addition to its environmental related initiatives, The Authority is responsible for the development, financing and project management of projects and programs most vital to sustaining the economic and environmental future of Cumberland County and the state of New Jersey. The Authority works in tandem with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen County Commissioners to foster greater economic growth, business development and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents.