Hagåtña, Guam – On Saturday, April 24, 2021, the Islandwide Beautification Task Force (IBTF), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, in collaboration with the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), hosted the #GUAM Earth Month Islandwide Beautification Cleanup. The event received overwhelming support from more than 1,000 volunteers.
A total of 17.36 tons (34,720 pounds) of trash was collected, as recorded by the Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA). The collection consisted of municipal solid waste (MSW), white goods, loose metals, tires, and other bulky waste. The top collection sites were addressed by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at an illegal dump near the Harmon sinkhole in Tamuning and the Palau Community Association of Guam (PCAG) at an illegal dump along Lada Road in Dededo. Guam EPA’s efforts resulted in the collection of approximately 2.75 tons of MSW and 0.74 tons of bulky waste, including white goods, loose metals, electronic waste, construction, demolition debris, and mattresses. The PCAG efforts resulted in the collection of approximately 1.57 tons of MSW.
“Slowly but surely, we are taking steps to reopen our island. Thanks to our people and their continued vigilance to protect one another–by practicing the three w’s and getting vaccinated–we can make this transition from pandemic response to recovery,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “It’s time to Get Up And Move and to prepare our island to welcome back visitors to our shores once again.”
“Thank you to each and every one of the volunteers who dedicated the time–and, more importantly, took ownership of our island. While Governor Lou and I remain committed to reforming policy to end our longstanding litter problem and reduce the amount of waste we put into the landfill, we each have the power to make positive changes today,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “Let us continue this momentum to create a cleaner, greener Guam for all.”
“Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ to Governor Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Tenorio, the Islandwide Beautification Task Force, and all of the volunteers for a successful cleanup. We are so proud of the community for coming together to spruce up our island as we work to re-energize our visitor industry,” said former Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, GVB President & CEO. “I encourage all of you to continue to do your part in keeping Guam beautiful every day.”
Special thanks to i*Recycle Program Administrator Peggy Denny and the Agat Mayors Office for leading efforts to sort and recycle collections and Mr. Rubbishman for sponsoring the roll-off bins. To get involved in future events, email ibtf@guam.gov.
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