The N.C. Department of Transportation is encouraging people across the state to pick up trash around roadways.

Scheduled for the last two weeks in April and September, Litter Sweep is the DOT’s statewide litter removal initiative in which local residents help to clean up roadways.

Stanly is doing its part to help clean the state.

The Keep Stanly Beautiful organization is encouraging people to participate and pick up trash alongside roads in the county.

Ron Crawley, the leader of KSB, has reached out to local municipalities and encouraged them to help.

One of the main efforts of KSB is “to keep a clean environment,” Crawley said.

The organization also provides scholarships to seniors who plan to pursue environmental degrees.

For people willing to help, trash bags are available at the E.E. Waddell Community Center or City Public Works Department. Dumpsters are located on site at the Waddell Center to dispose of trash, according to Albemarle Councilman Dexter Townsend.

“It is every citizen’s responsibility to assume pride in their respective communities,” Townsend said.

Townsend is working to organize groups and volunteers to meet from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Waddell Center to pick up trash. Hot dogs and drinks will be available after.

Townsend hopes initiatives like Litter Sweep will convince people to continue picking up trash around the county year-round.