Trenton, N.J. - On April 28, 2025, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, Public Works Director Wahab Onitiri, Recreation Director Paul Harris, and members of the public works and recreation teams announced the results of the Spring Citywide Cleanup Initiative. 

Throughout April, the initiative aimed to beautify the capital city by cleaning up streets, alleys, sidewalks, lots, and city-owned buildings in each city ward during a four-week period.

"I am proud to stand alongside Public Works Director Onitiri, Recreation Director Harris, Assistant Public Works Director Hector Weah, and our amazing public works and recreation teams, whose hard work and dedication have beautified and improved the quality of life in our City," said Mayor Gusciora. "The spring cleanup initiative resulted in 230 tons of debris collected. Through rain or shine, our crews were out in the community, working hard to make it cleaner and safer. We are extremely grateful for all their efforts."

The spring initiative kicked off in the North Ward during the first week of April, with a total of 40 tons of debris removed, compared to 65 tons in 2024. In the East Ward, 50 tons of debris were removed, the same as in 2024. The West Ward collected 60 tons of debris, down from 84 tons in 2024. In the South Ward, 80 tons of debris were removed, compared to 65 tons the year prior. In total, 230 tons were collected throughout the city, 25 tons less than the 255 tons collected in 2024.

 "I want to say thank you to the residents in the East Ward — Chambersburg, Villa Park, Wilbur Section, and all the neighborhoods for putting out your yard waste and furniture," said East Ward Councilman Joseph Harrison. "Together we can keep our East Ward, and the entire City of Trenton, clean. I am beyond appreciative of the hard work done by the Mayor, Public Works Director Onitiri, and his wonderful staff."

North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams stated, "The City of Trenton Cleanups, such as the month-long one completed over all four wards, are so important and I am glad they were successful once again. They truly make a difference in making sure our streets and blocks look better. Our hard-working Public Works department has cleared entire alleys that have become cluttered with illegal dumping. My thanks to Mayor Gusciora and his Administration for making this initiative happen and for going after illegal dumpers in our capital city.”

"The Spring Citywide Cleanup initiative is a true testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our community. This year, the city of Trenton saw a 25 ton drop in debris collected compared to last year — a clear sign that our neighborhoods are moving in the right direction, toward a cleaner and safer place to live," said West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby.

South Ward Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg stated," As your elected councilwoman, I am deeply grateful for the incredible efforts across our city. I’m especially proud that our district led the way, collecting over 80 tons of waste – the highest of all four wards- during this Spring cleanup initiative. I’m grateful to every resident who rolled up their sleeves and took pride in our community. Together, we've shown what can be accomplished when we all come together for a common cause. This achievement reflects the incredible spirit and dedication of our community, and I look forward to building on this momentum for an even cleaner, stronger future."

The citywide cleanup initiative will be held again in the fall of 2025. The goal of the initiative is to beautify our neighborhoods and encourage residents to utilize the initiative to properly dispose of unwanted items and curb illegal dumping in the city. 

"We’re seeing real progress — not just in the numbers, but in the way people are taking pride in their neighborhoods again," said Public Works Director Onitiri. "A 25 ton decrease in debris means fewer illegal dump sites, cleaner streets, and a stronger sense of community. That’s something worth building on."

"We are committed to improving the quality of life for all Trenton residents, "said Recreation Director Harris. "When we work collectively as a city, we can enhance the overall vitality of the community."

Although construction materials, paint, and chemicals were not collected, residents are encouraged to contact Public Works at 609-989-3152 for information on the correct disposal methods.