As printed in the Q2 2024 ACCS Alabama Minute Newsletter.
In a significant stride toward a cleaner and greener state, the annual Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” Statewide Spring Cleanup reached record achievements this year.
The initiative, known for rallying community members across Alabama to combat litter and promote recycling, led to greater participation from Alabama’s community and technical colleges. This is thanks to Alabama PALS, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Paths for Success Foundation, and a new partnership with the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils.
The Alabama Community College System collected more than 18,377 pounds (nine tons) of trash, debris, and recyclables in 2024. This represents a 67% increase from the previous year’s total of 11,000 pounds (5.5 tons).
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth applauded the spring cleanup initiative.
“From its mountains in the north to beaches in the south and all points in between, Alabama ranks among the nation’s most beautiful states, and it’s important we take every measure to keep it that way,” he said.
As Alabama’s community colleges band together in this clean-up mission for years to come, they are setting the stage for a future free of litter, emphasizing the belief that maintaining the state’s beauty is a collective responsibility.
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