“The Women’s Institute is proud to have initiated the annual roadside cleanup, but we need help,” said Rena Thompson, chair of the PEI Women’s Institute Environment Committee. “It’s a big job and we are asking all Islanders to come out and participate in this community event.”

Environment Minister Richard Brown also called on Islanders to get involved in the cleanup.

“Everyone thinks that someone else will pick up the garbage, but we all have to do our part to keep Prince Edward Island clean,” said Minister Brown. “The Women’s Institute is to be congratulated for organizing this event and we all need to support their efforts.”

The first roadside cleanup took place in 1973, and it has become a yearly event.

Cleanup bags are available at all Access PEI sites, the Charlottetown Research Station, Potato Services in Kensington, and the Waste Watch drop-off centres in Brockton, New London, Murray River, Dingwell Mills, GreenIsle, the East Prince Waste Management facility in Wellington and the Stratford Community Office.

The Women’s Institute has notified all schools to encourage teachers and students to clean up school properties and playgrounds and are offering a prize to each school district for the best cleanup poster.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will pick up the waste bags at the roadside following the May 15 cleanup.