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Francis Scott Key Bridge Incident Updates

Litter does more than look bad and detract from our communities—it washes into storm drains and pollutes our waterways. There’s no single solution to combating the litter issue in Baltimore County, which is why we've taken a multi-agency approach through both litter prevention and removal programs. Learn more about these programs by emailing greenteam@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Join Litter Blitz 2024

Baltimore County Litter BlitzBaltCo Litter Blitz is Baltimore County's springtime anti-litter promotion, where community groups register online to conduct volunteer litter cleanups of any size. The 2024 Litter Blitz takes place this April and May.

Visit the Litter Blitz Hub

Visit the hub website to:

  • Learn how to pick up free bags and gloves, while supplies last
  • Register to host a community litter cleanup
  • Sign up as a volunteer at a registered cleanup
  • View program data and progress
Visit the Litter Blitz Hub Website
 

Name our Streams Contest 

The Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (EPS) is working to call attention to the importance of protecting our local streams that lead to the Chesapeake Bay and you can help.

We’ve identified three unnamed neighborhood streams in Windsor Mill, Hillendale and Pikesville, and invited community members to add their “watermark” by submitting suggested names for EPS’ consideration. The winning names are submitted for United States Geological Survey (USGS) approval and then can appear on official maps and signs.

Current Results

The Spring 2024 contest winners are “Fairbrook Creek” in Windsor Mill, and “Onskat Stream” in Hillendale. EPS will submit these names to the United States Board of Geographic Names for final approval and report back. Thank you to everyone who picked up litter, submitted a name.

Previous Contests

The USGS has approved “Church Meadow Creek” as the new name for the previously unnamed, local stream in Pikesville. It crosses Church Lane and runs through a new, four-acre County park. Thanks to everyone who submitted a stream name suggestion and participated in a Clean Green 15 litter cleanup

Anti-Litter Programs for Residents

To help give your anti-litter efforts a lasting, ripple effect throughout your community, we encourage you to participate in the following County programs that combat litter and show that you care about keeping our environment clean.

The Litter-Smart Business Program

The County’s Litter-Smart Business program  for commercial operations and other establishments offers real-world tactics for effective waste management, as well as encouraging litter removal and prevention.

County Litter Removal and Enforcement

The County’s street sweeping program helps keep sediment and trash from clogging storm drains and flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. The Bureau of Highways’ street sweepers remove some 6,000 tons of debris each year from County roadways with curbs and gutters. The Bureau of Highways also responds to complaints of roadside dumping and excessive litter.

Code Enforcement works in collaboration with residents to maintain and improve communities by enforcing County Code and zoning regulations. Their inspectors respond to complaints on residential and commercial properties, including trash or debris in yards.

Volunteer at Your Local Watershed Association

Join a local watershed association to participate in volunteer opportunities to make improvements to our streams, forests and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Find contact information for your local watershed below to learn about restoration activities available in your community.

WatershedVolunteer Contact Information
Back River

Tidal:

Upstream:

Baltimore Harbor
Bird RiverGunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC)
  • Gwynns Falls 
  • Jones Falls
Blue Water Baltimore
Liberty ReservoirFriends of Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway
  • Little Gunpowder
  • Loch Raven
  • Lower Gunpowder Falls
  • Middle River
  • Tidal Gunpowder
Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC)
Patapsco RiverPatapsco Heritage Greenway
Prettyboy Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC)

Additional Resources

Watch the "Watershed Moments" video series.

Explore Clean Green Initiatives

 

Contact Us

Clean Green Baltimore County

County Office Building
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Room 305
Towson, Maryland 21204

Director

Horacio Tablada