The annual highway cleanup in Alberta will get underway tomorrow after being postponed for one week.
The event involves various 4-H clubs, youth groups and other organizations that pick up garbage on roadsides as a way to beautify the province while earning money for their clubs.
The Alberta government, which provides the funding, postponed the annual event scheduled May 7 because safety personnel and resources were occupied by the Fort McMurray firefighting and related needs.
People cleaning the ditches will be wearing safety vests, and motorists are asked to use caution in areas where the cleanup is taking place. The cleanup will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Last year, the Alberta government contributed $1,032,282 to 650 volunteer organizations as 16,245 volunteers helped clean up more than 11,400 kilometres of Alberta roadways,” the government said in a news release.
Groups earn $81 to $101 per kilometre cleaned. The higher rate is paid for cleaning areas close to urban areas, where more trash accumulates.
