Every resident in Powhatan County needs to do his or her part to keep the local roadways clear of trash and debris. A statewide cleanup effort is currently being organized and will be held on April 12. The Powhatan County Anti-Litter Council encourages area residents to support this effort and “spring clean” along Powhatan’s roadways.

According to Dan Jones, Powhatan County Anti-Litter Council member, “Clean roads demonstrate a sense of pride in our community. Hopefully, keeping our roads clean is contagious.” Anti-Litter Council members want Powhatan to be known for its beauty, not for its trash problems. Although the statewide cleanup only focuses on one day, clean ups can be done any time of the year. If you see a roadway in need of cleaning, get outside and pick up the trash.

Residents may pick up free orange bags for trash collection at the Powhatan Extension Office. Additional supplies such as safety vests and trash grabbers are also available in limited quantities and can be checked out through the Powhatan Extension Office, located at 3872 Old Buckingham Road. Once again this year, the Anti-Litter Council will provide newly designed t-shirts to those participating in cleanup efforts. Once an individual or group has completed a clean up, they are asked to report it to the extension office at 598-5640 and indicate the group or individual’s name, as well as how many bags were collected. This allows the Council to keep track of how many bags of trash have been collected and recognize those who participate.

“It would really be a big help if those with roadside property picked up the ditches along their stretch of property,” said Mimi Ziletti, chairperson of the local Anti-Litter Council. “You can participate in a cleanup by picking up the roads near where you live or work.” When residents haul trash to the convenience center, make sure the load is secure and no trash can blow from the vehicle. If you see trash being thrown or falling from a vehicle, report it to Dep. Randy Stickles of the Powhatan Sheriff’s Department at 598-5656.

In another cleanup effort coordinated by the Anti-Litter Council, a recent tire and appliance amnesty day helped residents clear more than 1200 tires and almost 350 appliances. Last year, 1500 tires and 390 appliances were collected. This is a free service offered to residents once a year.

Groups interested in participating in the local Adopt-A-Highway program, may contact the representative for Powhatan, Vertig McDougal at or by calling 674-2802.

Residents interested in helping to keep Powhatan clean are invited to join the Anti-Litter Council. For more information on the Council, contact the extension office at 598-5640.