An illegal dumping site in Harrisburg (file photo)
Harrisburg residents often show up at City Council meetings to complain about trash and blight in their neighborhoods.
In response, council member Ralph Rodriguez spurred the creation of “Hot Spot Saturdays,” a summer initiative aimed at involving both residents and the city in cleaning up illegal dumping sites.
“My hope is to empower our residents,” he said. “They need to know they have the power to make the change.”
Throughout July, August and September, the city, volunteers and local nonprofits will spend time removing trash from places that the Public Works Department has identified as hot spots for illegal dumping. The locations will include several neighborhoods, including areas in Uptown, South Harrisburg and Allison Hill.
“Hot Spot Saturdays” will take place on the following days:
- July 23
- July 30
- Aug. 7
- Aug. 20
- Sept. 9
- Sept. 10
All events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locations will be assigned to those who register.
In addition, the city will utilize cameras at hot spots to monitor illegal activity, Rodriguez said.
All volunteers will participate in training sessions before the cleanups. Rodriguez said that he hopes that the educational aspect of the event will encourage people to continue the beautification work even after “Hot Spot Saturdays” is over.
The city will collect trash in its trucks during each cleanup and has partnered with Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) for disposal services.
This may be a summer initiative, but Rodriguez sees this as the start of long-term change. He hopes to make it an annual event.
“I believe we should start making some really great leeway,” he said.
For more information about “Hot Spot Saturdays,” call 717-557-2045 or email rrodriguez@harrisburgpa.gov. To register as a volunteer, click here.
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