Hagåtña, Guam – Last Friday’s Micronesia Cleanup Day resulted in the collection of 8,240 pounds of trash. Cleanup sites included Tagachang Beach, Pagat Cave, Marbo Cave, and Tanguisson Beach. The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration hosted the initiative in support of a regional effort to tackle climate change.

In addition to smaller waste items, trash collected also included 14 white goods/appliances (refrigerators, freezers, and stoves), commercial and tin roofing, a pickup bed, two mattress sets with metal frames, five vehicles, 53 tires, and two loads of green waste.

Though it was not the initial intent of this cleanup, we are grateful that this trash has been removed and no longer poses a threat to human health, especially in light of two locally acquired cases of the dengue virus. It is alarming to hear how much trash was collected in a few hours. We urge all residents to do their part to minimize the risk of spreading the dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. They can do so by eliminating mosquito breeding sites around their homes,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

Micronesia Cleanup Day was a direct result of Governor Leon Guerrero’s participation in the Micronesia Island Forum held in Chuuk earlier this year. Hundreds from Guam, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia performed cleanups on their islands simultaneously.

We are overwhelmed by the support from our community, and we look forward to future initiatives with our brothers and sisters in Micronesia. A unified effort ensures we have the greatest impact on combating issues such as climate change or even the spread of the dengue virus,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.

For photos of the Micronesia Cleanup Day held on Guam, visit the Islandwide Beautification Task Force Facebook or Instagram page @ibtf.gu

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