Litter in Our Watershed

Litter doesn't stay local! Trash on the ground can quickly become a "floatable" object polluting a Frederick County stream or river. From there, litter can head to the Chesapeake Bay and can wind up in the ocean.  Pollutants decrease our water quality and create hazards for wildlife. The Division of Energy and Environment is committed to addressing this problem and would love to have your help! We organize watershed cleanups and can provide materials to support other group's litter patrol efforts.

Find out The Dirty Truth About Litter, and help us clean up our streams by participating in the programs listed below!

D.E.E. Sponsored Trail & Stream Litter Cleanup Events

The Division of Energy and Environment periodically recruits volunteers to help with litter cleanup events. Want to pitch in? To stay informed of upcoming events...

  1. Follow our Facebook page.
  2. Sign up for our newsletter.
  3. Subscribe to our events calendar.

The next D.E.E. cleanup event is scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2023!

Come decorate and personalize your very own "trash grabber" then use it to help clean up Utica Park! You'll keep your craft and help create a beautiful public space too! Registration is required. Details can be found in the event listing.

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Regional Cleanup Events     

Project Clean Stream

Every spring tens of thousands of volunteers come together to pick up trash from local streams, creeks, rivers, parks, and neighborhoods as part of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay's annual Project Clean Stream - the largest cleanup event in the Chesapeake Bay region!  Cleanups take place across the entire Chesapeake watershed, in all 6 Bay states an D.C., from March 1st to June 9th.

Register a cleanup site or find an event near you to volunteer!

Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup

The Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, the largest regional event of its kind, provides a transforming experience that engages residents and community leaders and generates momentum for change. The Potomac River Watershed Cleanup has grown from a small shoreline cleanup at Piscataway National Park to a watershed wide network. What started as a few cleanup events along the Potomac River is now a regional event spanning Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Register a cleanup site or find a site near you to volunteer!

Contact Suzanne Cliber for more information.

Ongoing Programs

Frederick County Adopt-A-Road Program

Frederick County offers an Adopt-A-Road program to local organizations to adopt sections of Frederick County roads for litter cleanup. The adoption lasts for two years, with an option to renew for two additional one-year periods. More information can be found on the Adopt-A-Road page!