Cash for picking up trash: P.E.I. Women's Institute offers incentive to roadside cleaners

The annual P.E.I. Women's Institute Roadside Cleanup is growing in popularity, and the offer of cash prizes appears to be helping.

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"It was more so to thank people, encourage people to participate and thank them," said Chris Ortenburger, one of the organizers of the Roadside Cleanup.

"Most people have been tickled, it's a lovely little thank you."

Ortenburger said the prizes and photos showcase the wide range of Islanders who take part in the annual event it's "not just granny in the ditch," as she likes to say.

"It's always been more than just Women's Institute, it's always been something that has been a community effort," she said.

Pledge and a photo

In 2013, the Women's Institute first offered prizes to groups taking part in the Roadside Cleanup, either as an individual or family, business, community organization, and school or class.

Last year, a record number of cleanup teams across P.E.I. vied for the chance to win a cash prize of $100 in each category. They had to take a pledge to participate and submit a photo of their team in action.

Many teams also come up names for their groups such as the Ladner Ditch Pickers, the Canoe Cove Roadies and the Mighty Moore Garbage Machines.

"They are very charming, very creative," said Ortenburger.

"It's a nice way of marking that spring is here and we're doing our part to make this Island as beautiful as it is."

Clinton Cleaners

Ella McCormick is one of three members of the Clinton Cleaners, one of last year's winners. She and a few neighbours teamed up when they saw the $100 prize.

"Last year was our first year as a group but as individuals we've been cleaning the roadsides for at least fifteen years here in Clinton," said McCormick.

"Clinton is a beautiful community with lots of rolling hills and a lot of people drive through here in the summer time and I think it's important to keep it clean."

The Clinton Cleaners picked up lots of liquor bottles, fast food wrappers and cups, mattresses, and styrofoam.

McCormick wishes people would be more careful with the way they handle their waste.

She and her team will be back in 2017.

"It creates camaraderie and I think it would be a community thing to do."

DeSable Dirt Devils

Rosie MacFarlane has been involved in the Roadside Cleanup since she was a child. She and her children, plus some others from the neighborhood are known as the DeSable Ditch Devils.

"It seems to be one of the important indicators that winter is over and spring is finally here, ranking up there with the return of geese, songbirds, spring peepers and smelts," said MacFarlane.

"I have always felt that we need to do our small part to take care of the environment and it also shows that Islanders care about their province and the image we project to visitors."

MacFarlane admited she feels some frustration as she sees what some Islanders choose to discard into the ditches.

"I always wonder what people are thinking when they intentionally throw things out of a vehicle?" asked MacFarlane.

"Do they really see our communities as acceptable places to toss garbage? Do they think that the garbage miraculously disappears?"

She and the Dirt Devilswill be back in 2017.

Chepstow- Little Harbour 4-H Club

Chepstow - Little Harbour 4-H Club has been participating in Roadside Cleanup for many years and the 4-H members have had some interesting rewards over the years, even before the prizes started.

"Two years ago, my step-son found a $20 bill while combing the ditches and last year, members found a pile of change and a parent found a $10 bill tucked under a boardwalk," said 4-H leader Del Henderson.

"So members and their families are now eager to volunteer their time on a Saturday morning for an hour of garbage pickup in hopes of cashing in on these 'bonuses.'"

And there are other rewards.

"Our club chooses the area around Shirley's Dairy Bar near the waterfront for Roadside Cleanup as there is always lots of waste in the area and minimal traffic," said Henderson.

"The club buys each person an ice cream cone or a slush drink as a thank you for their community service, any treasure they find is theirs to keep."

Henderson hopes that the 4-H members take away a different attitude about disposing of their garbage after the cleanup.

"Those who are unable to make it on the day will often pick a bag or two with their family around their own home properties."

This year's Roadside Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017.

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