Mesquite, TX – September 17, 2021 – On the eve of the Sept. 18 National Cleanup Day, the City of Mesquite announces it has moved forward this week with its Clean City Initiative by adding more programs and opportunities for the community to get involved to help to address litter in public areas and community appearance. This includes the final recruitment push for the semi-annual community litter cleanup event called Trash Bash scheduled for Sept. 25. Volunteers can register at www.cityofmesquite.com/TrashBash. 

Today, Mayor Bruce Archer released his video PSA for the North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge presented by North Central Texas Council of Governments. The program is a friendly competition among cities to cleanup the most litter by October 31.

Mesquite has added new ways for the community to be a part of the Clean City Initiative. Volunteers can purchase official safety vests at www.cityofmesquite.com/CleanCity to wear during their cleanup efforts with all proceeds supporting Keep Mesquite Beautiful, Inc. Groups can now select a designated area in Mesquite through the Adopt-A-Spot program at www.cityofmesquite.com/AdoptASpot and volunteer to keep it litter free throughout the year while receiving special acknowledgements for their efforts. 

Selket Daese the Volunteer and Keep Mesquite Beautiful Program Administrator said, “We are working on many more new aspects of the Clean City Initiative including Green Teams at all the Mesquite ISD schools for students to get involved beyond their recycling clubs and a new robust Yard of the Month program for homeowners to compete for neighborhood recognitions.” 

On October 1, the City will begin enforcing the changes to its Solid Waste Ordinance to address loose trash and litter in neighborhoods. The changes include requiring its solid waste customers to place trash in a secured bag and place the bag in a trash can as well as time limits on when trash and bulk items can be placed for pick up. The City is continuing with its public education efforts as administrative fees will begin to be assessed in November for added services by solid waste workers to address non-compliance by customers.

City Manager Cliff Keheley said, “We will continue to roll out new elements of the Clean City Initiative campaign, and look for opportunities to educate and engage our community.”