The Three Cities Earn Statewide Accolades for Litter Prevention Efforts
The New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), which runs the state’s litter abatement program, has honored three cities with its inaugural “Clean Communities Champions” awards.
Representatives of the City of Camden, the City of Elizabeth and the City of Paterson accepted the awards at the 20th annual Clean Communities Expo and Awards Celebration, held October 8 in Somerset.
“We are awarding cities that go above and beyond when it comes to litter abatement,” said NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden. “Leaders of these three cities implement a series of annual cleanups, have installed cameras and focus on illegal dumping – all while engaging the public on the importance of not littering.”
Camden was recognized for the “Camden Strong Campaign” under Mayor Victor Carstarphen. The campaign takes place throughout the spring, summer, and fall with more than a dozen neighborhood cleanups and cemetery cleanups in every area of the city.
Camden officials work alongside residents, volunteers, corporate partners and community stakeholders to clean the city streets, business corridors, parks and open spaces while enhancing community pride. At each event, Camden residents are given information related to recycling, e-waste, trash disposal and litter prevention.
Elizabeth was honored for its extensive cleanup programs, focusing on waterfront areas and other areas where litter accumulates. Elizabeth also holds large cleanups on Earth Day, when citizens are encouraged to join a team of volunteers and clean up various streets, parks, lots and any other public areas. The comprehensive effort is overseen by Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, who has been leading litter abatement programs since he was elected mayor in 1993.
In Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh has created aggressive litter abatement programs, such as ongoing neighborhood cleanups and enhanced street cleaning services, as well as a city-wide campaign called “Paterson is Picking Up.”
The city is also cracking down on illegal dumping and improving public spaces, with a focus on making residents feel more accountable for keeping Paterson litter-free. There is also an “Adopt-a-Block” program to fight litter and mini-grants to support local environmental efforts.
During the awards ceremony, the city was also honored as a winner of a municipal slogan contest, creating the slogan of “Paterson is Picking Up.”
TRENTON – October 29, 2025