On Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 AM, the Ithaca Rotary Club will once again bring the community together for its twice-yearly Route 13 trash cleanup, an effort that keeps our roads safe, our environment healthy, and our region looking its best.
Volunteers will meet in the Tops Parking Lot in Lansing before splitting into teams to cover different sections of Route 13. Participants are encouraged to arrive early, around 8:45 AM, to pick up gloves, hard hats, trash grabbers, and bags before heading out. Click here for the volunteer sign up!
What to Expect as a Volunteer
Whether you’ve joined before or this is your first time, the cleanup is designed to be welcoming, organized, and impactful.
As cleanup lead Bob Gravani explains:
“First time volunteers can expect a number of like-minded citizens and Rotarians who come together on that day to break into small teams and clean sections of the highway.”
It’s a simple format with a powerful result, neighbors working side-by-side to make a visible difference in just a few hours.
Why This Work Matters
For many involved, the motivation is clear: the amount of roadside litter is too significant to ignore.
Bob Gravani shared:
“I’m appalled to see the amount of trash along the sides of the road on some of our highways. So I want to make sure with a number of volunteers in Rotary and in the community, to make sure that our highways are clean and look pristine so when visitors come here, they can appreciate the natural beauty of our area.”
Keeping Route 13 clean isn’t just about appearances, it’s about protecting the identity of the Finger Lakes region as a welcoming and beautiful place to live and visit.
The Impact on Infrastructure and Community Pride
According to Carolyn Greenwald, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Lansing, roadside litter has real consequences beyond what meets the eye:
“When trash accumulates along the roadside, it can disrupt storm water movement and increase the workload on our public works team.”
She also emphasized the broader message litter sends:
“Litter sends a message about how we value our shared spaces so we want to keep our spaces clean, our sewer and water system functioning and just have an aesthetically welcoming environment for everyone.”
This year, the cleanup is also being embraced as an opportunity for collaboration for the Village of Lansing:
“Since I’m a part of Rotary, I suggested that we come together at the Rotary cleaning and do this as a team building exercise for all of the boards and volunteers on any of our committees.”
Environmental Consequences of Roadside Litter
The effects of litter extend far beyond the roadside. As Emily Jernigan from Zero Waste Ithaca explains, pollution can move through ecosystems in dangerous ways:
“Plants are taking it up and accumulating those toxins then animals eat those leaves and then it builds up the food chain in what’s called bioaccumulation. It also gets in the waterways and eventually in the drinking water.”
This makes cleanup efforts like this one not just a community service but an environmental necessity.
Be Part of the Solution
The Route 13 cleanup is a chance to make a tangible impact in just a few hours. It’s also a chance to meet neighbors, collaborate with local leaders, and take pride in improving a shared space.
Whether you’re a Rotarian, a local resident, or simply someone who cares about the environment, your help is welcome.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 9:00 AM (arrive by 8:45 AM for gear)
Meeting Location: Tops Parking Lot, Lansing
Time: 9:00 AM (arrive by 8:45 AM for gear)
Meeting Location: Tops Parking Lot, Lansing
What’s Provided: Gloves, hard hats, trash pickers, and bags
Bring your energy, dress for the weather, and get ready to make a difference.
Together, we can keep Route 13 and the greater Ithaca area clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.