NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — City officials are calling on residents to volunteer to clean New Brunswick streets.

The Clean City Block Captain program is composed of people who organize litter-removal efforts on their individual blocks. Some do the work on their own, while others round up their neighbors to help, as well, a city official said.

“They are completely volunteer and dedicate their time to picking up litter on our streets,” city spokesperson Jennifer Bradshaw told TAPinto New Brunswick, “which is not glamorous, but it’s very important.”

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All residents are encouraged to apply. You can find a link to the application here.

Block captains don’t need to spend money on cleanups. New Brunswick provides them with bags, gloves, technical support and educational materials written in English and Spanish, according to the city.

Volunteers also teach their neighbors about why it’s important to ensure the block is clean.

Block captains hold two special meetings per year, during which they receive certificates of appreciation and tools.

The most recent one was held yesterday, March 23. Rose Chodkiewicz, a veteran block captain, was recognized as the program’s “most active participant” of 2016, removing 44 bags of litter. Misha Raviela and Milagros Slee, meanwhile, received accolades for spreading messages about going green throughout the city.





The block captains program launched in 2010.

For more information, contact the city’s division of clean communities at 732-745-5254 or NBEC@cityofnewbrunswick.org