Cumberland County Hosts Record-breaking 34th Annual Trash Hunt

MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY. (March 27, 2026) – Every March, the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program hosts a county-wide Trash Hunt to promote awareness and accountability for preserving the environment. The Clean Communities Program is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. It is administered by The Authority of Cumberland County. This year’s annual event took place on Saturday, March 21, as participants throughout the County did their part to keep Cumberland County beautiful.

The annual Trash Hunt would not be possible without the efforts of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen. Since its inception in 1992 with the Sportsmen’s Federation, the Annual Trash Hunt has grown to include local environmental organizations, school groups, and individuals who want to get involved and make a difference. This year’s event was again held in memory of Lee Widjeskog, long-time member and Secretary of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen and back-bone of the Trash Hunt.

“The Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen is proud of its continued partnership with The Authority, as we celebrate 34 years of the Trash Hunt. We look forward to keeping the tradition alive for many years to come,” said Rich Camp, President of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen.

With the help of The Authority, the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program, the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and the NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program, 576 volunteers from 35 groups participated in the event, making it The Authority’s largest number of volunteers to participate in a cleanup to date. The Authority’s Clean Communities program provided gloves, trash bags, and trash pickup after the event to ensure proper disposal. A total of 14.17 tons (28,340 pounds) of waste and 2.35 tons (4,700 pounds) of car tires were removed from various locations throughout Cumberland County. All trash was properly disposed of at The Authority’s Solid Waste Complex located on Jesse Bridge Road, Millville.

“I want to thank all our volunteers for their efforts, as we all do our part to keep Cumberland County beautiful. I am proud of how many of our residents take pride in our community and environment,” said Samantha DeFrancisco, Cumberland County Recycling and Clean Communities Coordinator. “The continued success of this event would not be possible without The Authority’s partnerships with the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and our NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, Mazie Mulford.”

“Removing trash is an easy way to make a big impact: it helps keep wildlife safe, makes room for native plant growth, and keeps our waters clean. Cumberland County did an amazing job working together to improve this beautiful part of the state, “said NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, Mazie Mulford.

The Authority and the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program would like to thank all the volunteers who participated in the 2026 record-breaking event. The following groups and volunteers took part in the 34^th Annual Trash Hunt: The Cumberland County Sportsmen’s Federation, Good Sports Gunning Club, Menantico Gun Club, South Millville Gun Club, Mauricetown Gunning Club, Competition Dirt Riders, East Creek Gunning Club, Tri-County Sportsmen MC, Harmony Gun Club, Hickory Gun Club, Double Oaks, Venatores Gun Club, Citizens United of the Maurice River, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors, Downe Township Green Team, Troop 4 Boy Scouts, Troop 1 Boy Scouts, Cub Scout Pack 1, Sheet Metal Workers Local 27, Millville Woman’s Club, Deerfield Township School Student Council and Honor Society, Cumberland Regional High School Softball Team, Positive Vibes Community Group, Cohansey Area Watershed Association, Upper Deerfield Environmental Commission, The Greenwich Action Alliance, Gateway Community Action Partnership, Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church, Law Offices of Michael Gaffney, The Ambrose Family, The Hoerl Family, The DeFrancisco Family, The Sahms Family, Justine Panchesine and Family, Jason Cossaboon and Friends, Mr. Mario Perez, and Ms. Ellen Gavin.

“The annual Trash Hunt shows The Authority’s dedication to environmental sustainability and accountability in Cumberland County. Through the Clean Communities Program and its events, we can all work together to improve our tomorrow,” said Dale Jones, Chairman.

For more information on the Cumberland County Clean Communities Programs, please visit www.theauthoritynj.com/clean-communities/.

In addition to its environmental related initiatives, The Authority is responsible for the development, financing and project management of projects and programs most vital to sustaining the economic and environmental future of Cumberland County and the state of New Jersey. The Authority works in tandem with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen County Commissioners to foster greater economic growth, business development and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents.