Wake County wants to make litter pickup easy and fun. This month, they’re using a smartphone app + several events to encourage community members to get involved.

In 2020, Wake County’s Solid Waste Management Division landfilled approx. 530,000 tons of garbage + collected 38,500 tons of recycling at drop-off sites — even more recycling was collected by the City of Raleigh and other Wake municipalities.

To do your part, download the Litterati app and sign up for the Clean Up Wake County Challenge using the code “CLEANWAKE.” When you pick up a piece of trash, snap a photo of it using the app + it will track the type and location of the litter using artificial intelligence.

“With the weather beginning to cool off, September is a beautiful time of year to get outdoors and beautify our area.” Bianca Howard, solid waste outreach and marketing supervisor, said in a press release.

Wake County’s anti-litter campaign, entitled 86it, will also be hosting a Fall Cleanup Event at the Neuse River Greenway Trail on Sat., Sept. 25 from 9–11 a.m. Staff will provide volunteers with litter kits, which include trash bags, safety vests, litter grabbers, and gloves. Register for the event here.

Want to do more? Check out one of Wake County’s upcoming events to learn more about litter pickup from Wake County Solid Waste. Staff will provide bags for collecting trash in your car, guides to recycling in Wake County + other tips. You can dispose of your trash at any of the convenience centers in the area.