Organizations across the state are preparing to cleanup across the Commonwealth. April is “Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment”, more commonly known as PRIDE month. The Great American Cleanup is happening now until May. And Commonwealth Cleanup Week is slated for March 22-28.

This year marks the eleventh anniversary of Commonwealth Cleanup Week (CCW). CCW is an annual, week-long event implemented by the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC).

The EEC, county solid waste coordinators, Ky. Transportation Cabinet, cities, Bluegrass PRIDE and Keep America Beautiful are sponsoring this year’s CCW event, along with the governor’s office, legislators, county and city officials, volunteer organizations and other state government entities.

Civic, religious and non-profit organizations are encouraged to volunteer and enter to win one of three, $200 prizes in a random drawing. In order to be eligible for the random drawings, organizations must register through their local solid waste coordinator and complete a cleanup project during the set week. Group participation forms are available on the cabinet website at http://www.waste.ky.gov/ccw/. or at the Solid Waste office located on Page Cutoff Rd., just off U.S. Highway 25-E in Pineville.

Bell County Solid Waste is offering free disposal for excess garbage at the Transfer Station during the week of March 22 through 28 to all county residents and free trash bags are available for those wishing to participate in the cleanup. However, there is still a charge for tires, carpet, and building materials such as wood, lumber, shingles and sheet rock.

The week will also kick off the Great American Cleanup (GAC), spanning from March, until the end of May. GAC’s purpose is to provide Kentucky communities an opportunity to Spring Clean, recycle and promote personal responsibility across the Commonwealth.

For more information about the county’s cleanup projects, events and extended hours, phone the Bell County Solid Waste Coordinator at (606) 337-7035.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.