Let’s Green Up Vermont Together: May 3, 2025 is Green Up Day!
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Spring is in the air, and so is the spirit of community across Vermont.
On Saturday, May 3, thousands of Vermonters will don gloves, grab Green Up trash bags, and hit the roads, trails, and waterways for Green Up Day, one of the state’s most beloved traditions.
You don’t have to look far to see the impact. Last year alone, more than 30,000 volunteers collected 404+ tons of trash and hauled in over 15,000 abandoned tires. And this year, Vermonters are ready to do it all over again together!
“We found that the roads were much cleaner this year! We heard from many people that have been cleaning them up as they take their daily walks. We had a great turnout, every road was covered!”
— Volunteer Town Coordinator, Town of Barnard
How to Join the Fun
It’s easy to get involved! Pick up your free Green Up trash bags from your Volunteer Town Coordinator and spend an hour or two helping to beautify your neighborhood.
Whether you’re picking up litter along the road or cleaning up a favorite trail, you’re making a visible impact on Vermont’s landscape and waterways.
Looking for supplies or help coordinating your day? Visit greenupvermont.org for all the details, and don’t forget to download the free Green Up App to track your route, report trash pickups, and communicate with your team.
Stay Safe While You Green Up
Here are a few tips for a successful and safe cleanup day:
- Tie your trash bags securely so your good work stays put.
- Wear gloves, long pants, and boots — and check for ticks after you’re done.
- Always face oncoming traffic when working near roads.
- If you spot any sharp objects like needles, don’t toss them in the bag. Place them in a thick plastic container, mark them “DO NOT RECYCLE,” duct tape the lid shut, and dispose of them in the regular trash.
- Wear bright colors so drivers on Vermont roadways easily spot you.
From a Bold Idea to a Vermont Tradition
Born from a reporter’s idea in 1969, Green Up Day took root in 1970 when Governor Deane Davis launched the first statewide cleanup. Roads were closed, school buses mobilized kids, and more than 70,000 volunteers swarmed the state to collect trash.
That first year was such a success that the state soon passed the famous “Bottle Bill,” saving taxpayers an estimated $200,000 in road cleanup costs.
Since then, Green Up Vermont has grown into a powerhouse of grassroots change:
- Incorporated in 1979 as a nonprofit
- Weathered economic storms in the ‘90s with committed leadership
- Celebrated 50 years in 2020 with over 24 million pounds of trash collected
- And in 2024, became a Guinness World Record Holder for the most pledges received in 24 hours: 6,800!
Why Green Up Vermont is More Important than Ever
Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote stewardship of our natural landscape and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day and raising awareness about the year-round benefits of a litter-free environment.
And the results speak for themselves. Vermont is cleaner, more beautiful, and more connected because of you.
So mark your calendars for May 3, 2025, grab your gear, and Green Up your corner of Vermont. Together, we make a difference.
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