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The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Alabama People Against a Littered State for its Clean and Green Initiative that began April 1 and ends on April 22.

The Chamber’s Clean and Green Initiative is a collaborative program alongside Alabama PALS, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit statewide organization dedicated to providing and implementing anti-litter programs for all Alabama counties, cities, communities, schools, and other groups. The organization strives to enhance its environmental and economic impact through a litter-free, cleaner, and more beautiful environment.

“We are excited for the return of our annual Clean and Green Initiative here at the Andalusia Chamber. We want to do our part to make sure our community is litter-free and keep our community clean. The Chamber invites all of those in the community to participate in this year’s competition and see who can collect the most litter to receive a trophy,” AACC Executive Director Mellisa King said.

King added that there are two ways the community can participate. Pickup locations will be at the red light on Sanford Road near Walmart and at the railroad tracks next to Debro Hill in River Falls toward town.

“You may join us on Thursday, April 18, at 9 a.m. at the Chamber. We will have two designated areas we will pick up litter at, or your business or organization can pick up any time at any location. Together, we can all make a difference and keep our community beautiful,” she said.

Forms and bags are available to be picked up at the front entrance of the Andalusia Chamber. The business that picks up the most litter in the month of April will be recognized as the 2024 Trash Collector of the Year. The winner will be announced by the Chamber’s Facebook page on Earth Day, which is April 22.

The AACC implemented an electronic recycling portion to the initiative for the first time in 2023. A trailer has been placed in the back parking lot of the Chamber for electronic drop-offs.

“Our electronic recycling was such a success with over 19,000 lbs. of electronics last year that we decided to bring it back this year. We began accepting electronic recycling on Monday, April 8, and will be accepting electronics until our bin is completely full,” King said.

Among the items accepted for e-cycling are cable and satellite boxes, power strips, cell phones, circuit boards, DVD/CD/cassette players, hard drives, iPads and tablets, IT equipment, laptops, lead acid batteries, models, flat-screen monitors, phone system hardware, point of sale systems, printers, routers, security equipment, small home appliances, telephones, flat-screen televisions, video game consoles, and more.

Items not accepted include CRT monitors, CRT televisions, glass bulbs, household batteries, and large home appliances.

The competition rules are as follows:

• Use caution when cleaning around roads.
• Wear gloves when picking up trash
• Watch for needles, snakes, etc.
• For pick-up bags to count, you must take a photo of each collection and attach it with your form for proof of collection.
• You must count the amount of bags you collect.
• Only litter will count; no household trash will count.
• You must report the number of employees (total per day) that pick up.
• Report the name of the street you pick up.

The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 700 River Falls Street and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information visit the Chamber’s Facebook page or call 334-222-2030.

“We should be proud of the community we call home and love where you live. Please do your part in helping make Covington County a litter-free environment for everyone to enjoy. The Chamber wishes everyone the best of luck in this year’s competition and thanks those doing their part to help keep the environment clean and safe,” King said.