The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) and the Atlantic County Clean Communities Program announce the winners of its 2026 Litter Challenge: first place is awarded to the group Glowing Firewood for removing a record 119 bags of litter; second place to Egg Harbor Township resident Patricia Fottrell for removing 71 bags of litter; and third place to the Hammonton Green Committee for removing 54 bags of litter.
“ACUA’s litter challenge serves as a reminder that we all have the power to improve our environment,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “We thank and recognize each volunteer for taking time to remove litter from our community.”
The annual litter challenge invited Atlantic County residents to remove as much litter as possible during a designated two-week period. A total of 88 volunteers completed a total of 33 cleanups and removed 279 bags of litter during this year’s challenge.
The top three teams received mini grants of $500, $300, and $100 respectively in recognition of their dedication and hard work. The groups will be formally recognized at ACUA’s America Recycles Day celebration on Saturday, November 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.
ACUA began administering the Atlantic County Clean Communities program in 2005. Since then, more than 60 percent of Atlantic County roadways have been adopted. Over the last year, volunteers performed 288 cleanups, removed 2,341 bags of litter, and cleaned 576 miles.
To learn more about the Atlantic County Clean Communities Program, visit www.acua.com/adoptaroad.
