LOVE VA campaign encourages fall cleanup projects across Virginia

Keep Virginia Beautiful is inviting residents, families, businesses, schools and community organizations across the Commonwealth to participate in LOVE VA, a statewide cleanup and beautification campaign continuing through Nov. 15.

Participants may organize litter cleanups, recycling efforts, planting projects and other improvements to shared spaces. The Keep Virginia Beautiful Network allows groups to find or create events, register volunteers and report their results. Participants using the network may qualify for prizes and recognition; details will be posted on the platform.

This year’s campaign includes the Great Butt Roundup, which asks volunteers to collect cigarette butts separately, count them and report their totals. Keep Virginia Beautiful said the reports will help it assess the scale and location of cigarette litter - the top littered item worldwide - and develop prevention efforts.

Collected cigarette waste may be consolidated for recycling through a free TerraCycle program. Participating groups also may qualify for one of 20 freestanding cigarette receptacles offered as campaign prizes by Keep America Beautiful.

Campaign information and event registration are available through the Keep Virginia Beautiful Network.