‘1-Bag Challenge’ breaks litter collection record in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz’s 1-Bag Challenge hit a new record of trash collected this year. A total of 9,074 bags of litter were collected in the fiscal year 2024. The previous record was 7,192 bags, set in fiscal year 2023.

Since 2012, residents, businesses, and more have participated in the ‘1-Bag Challenge” designed to clean up and improve the appearance of Cedar Rapids.

“We have a saying here in Cedar Rapids — ‘Welcome is Our Language.’ One of the ways we create a welcoming community is by taking pride in our homes, businesses, commercial areas, parks, and trails,” Pomeranz said. “I am passionate about making Cedar Rapids the greatest place to live, work, and play. That’s why we created the CleanUpCR campaign and the City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge. Over the years, our community has survived disasters such as extreme flooding and the 2020 Derecho, and we have come together with resilience and strength to clean up Cedar Rapids.”

Litter kits for the program, which include the postcards, as well as bags and gloves, are available from April through October every year at designated Hy-Vee stores, NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids Public Library locations, and City buildings.

Individuals collecting litter can place their filled bags next to their residential GARBY garbage collection carts on their normal collection day.

For more information visit CleanUpCR.com.