Litter crackdown: suffolk county joins national 'take back 25' cleanup effort

Litter crackdown: Suffolk County joins national ‘Take Back 25’ cleanup effort

by
April 29, 2025
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SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Communities across Suffolk County rolled up their sleeves over the weekend to participate in the 2025 Take Back 25 Clean Up event, a nationwide initiative aimed at clearing litter and debris from public spaces.

Local volunteers concentrated their efforts in Coram, Middle Island, Gordon Heights, and Ridge, cleaning up streets, parks, and waterways. Officers from the Sixth and Seventh Precincts of the Suffolk County Police Department also lent their support to the cause.

Key Points

  • Suffolk County volunteers cleaned areas in Coram, Middle Island, Gordon Heights, and Ridge.
  • The event is part of a national effort involving over 5 million volunteers.
  • Next year’s clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Take Back 25 is a national movement that mobilizes more than 5 million volunteers across 20,000 communities to pick up litter along roadways, rivers, lakes, and other public areas. Organizers reported strong turnout in Suffolk despite windy conditions.

“The wind was strong but not as strong as the community spirit!” the Suffolk County Police Department shared in a statement on Facebook.

Strong community spirit overcomes challenging weather

Volunteers equipped with gloves, bags, and tools fanned out across the selected towns, filling dumpsters with trash and recyclable materials. Precinct officers helped coordinate logistics and provided safety support throughout the day.

The event marks Suffolk County’s latest participation in the growing Take Back 25 initiative, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and community pride.

Next year’s event already on the calendar

Organizers are encouraging residents to mark their calendars for next year’s cleanup, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026. Plans are already underway to expand the number of locations and volunteers involved.

The Suffolk County Police Department noted that continued participation will help maintain the momentum built by this year’s successful turnout.

A windy weekend could not blow away the determination of Suffolk County volunteers to make their communities shine.

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