Welcome to Connecticut Clean Communities – join us in protecting the environment!

For Immediate Release

Milford, CT — January 8, 2025 — Connecticut Clean Communities is proud to announce the successful outcomes of its 2024 Clean Communities Impact Report, highlighting the organization's efforts in organizing community clean-up events across the state. This year, Connecticut Clean Communities has made significant strides in advancing its mission to promote sustainability and reduce waste across Connecticut through grassroots community action.

• 11 Organized Cleanups: Engaging communities in the collective efforts to clean up Connecticut’s environment.
• 3,670 Pounds of Trash Collected: Volunteers worked tirelessly to rid local areas of waste and debris. The waste collected included many items, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and discarded paper products. Volunteers also removed larger debris like old tires and broken furniture that were improperly discarded. Additionally, hazardous materials like batteries and electronic waste were safely disposed of, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for all.
• 9 Communities Served: From Easton in Fairfield County to Groton in New London County, cleanups reached towns across Connecticut.
• 219 Volunteers: A dedicated group of residents, many of whom attended multiple events, contributed their time and energy toward keeping Connecticut clean.

"We’ve accomplished so much this year," said Board Director Suzanne Cahill of Connecticut Clean Communities. "In 2024, we not only made a direct impact by cleaning up our communities, but we also created a foundation of volunteers and partners committed to making Connecticut a cleaner, greener place. These efforts are just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing this important work."

While Connecticut Clean Communities celebrates these achievements, the organization is already setting its sights on 2025. The goal is to exceed both the amount of trash collected and the number of communities engaged in clean-up efforts.

"We have a lot to be proud of, but 2024 sets the bar for what we aim to achieve in 2025," said Cahill. "Our commitment to expanding our reach to even more towns and making an even bigger environmental impact is unwavering. Together, we can create lasting change by picking up trash and educating and inspiring communities across Connecticut to adopt eco-friendly practices."

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For Immediate Release

March 25, 2024

Contact:

Linda Knauff

910 495-3290/info@ctclean.org

Over 1,300 Pounds of Trash Picked Up at Easton Litter Cleanup

~ A record-breaking haul for Connecticut Clean Communities ~

EASTON, CT (March 25, 2024) – Connecticut Clean Communities teamed up with several area environmental groups, Easton residents and community leaders Sunday to retrieve a record-breaking 1,300 pounds of trash in under two hours.

“We were thrilled with the turnout and energy of the volunteers,” said Linda Knauff, executive director of

Connecticut Clean Communities. Among those present were State Representative Anne Hughes and Selectman David Bindelglass, as well as representatives of SoundWaters, Keep Norwalk Beautiful, and Boots on the Sound. “It is a testament to what a dedicated group can accomplish when working together. We are so grateful to our volunteers and partners for their efforts.”

The cleanup efforts of roughly 40 volunteers focused on the area around Easton Reservoir, including Center Street, Routes 136 and 58 and South Park Avenue. Included in the trash hauled out were nine car tires, a flat screen television, a bathroom sink, and the front-end panel of an Audi.

Connecticut Clean Communities is a statewide group that organizes litter cleanups along the coastline, in our woodlands and in our neighborhoods to instill pride in our communities while protecting wildlife and preserving habitat.

March 1, 2024

Connecticut Clean Communities Advisory (CCCA) is proud to announce that it

has obtained federal recognition as a tax-exempt nonprofit under Section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code. As a 501(c)(3) organization. Connecticut Clean Communities will be

eligible to apply for grants that will help ignite positive change in Connecticut communities for a

healthier environment.

Connecticut Clean Communities is a CT-based non-profit tasked with facilitating community

clean-ups across CT through education, public outreach, training, and event scheduling. By

developing a set of best practices and sharing these with partners and advocates throughout

CT, we intend to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly practices

statewide. “We are grateful to those towns and volunteers that have already joined us in our

cleanup efforts so far and are looking forward to expanding our work statewide.” Says Linda

Knauff, Executive Director.

Further to receiving its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, Connecticut Clean Communities Advisory

has announced the appointment of Norwalk resident Suzanne Cahill as President of its Board of

Directors. “The (CCCA) Board of Directors is instrumental in educating and empowering

Connecticut residents to be an impactful part of keeping our shores and forests clean; doing so

ensures the vitality of our precious earth.” I am proud to be a part of the future of a cleaner

Connecticut.”

Those interested in joining Connecticut Clean Communities for a community-wide clean-up or

donating to the cause can visit: https://ctclean.org/ for more information.

For more information or questions contact CCC Executive Director Linda Knauff at (910-495-

3290) and (info@ctclean.org)

  September 12, 2023 

Long Beach, Stratford CT

Cleanup Summary

For Immediate Release

September 10, 2023

Nonprofit Organizes Business, Community Partners for Long Beach in Stratford Cleanup

Connecticut Clean Communities Looks to Maximize Cleanup Efforts Statewide by Providing Education, Structural Support and Creating Best Practices

STRATFORD, CT – A newly formed nonprofit backed by decades of community cleanup experience held its second event on Sunday September 12 at Long Beach in Stratford attracting dozens of volunteers, partners and community leaders. 

“Thank you to all the volunteers for an amazing cleanup on Long Beach on Sunday” said Linda Knauff, the Executive Director of Connecticut Clean Communities. “Over 60 volunteers collected 315 pounds of coastal trash.” 

While Connecticut Clean Communities was founded earlier this year, it began more than five years ago as Knauff and other volunteers began talking about their experiences with local cleanup efforts and ways they could be improved. 

“People involved in local cleanup efforts throughout Connecticut are passionate about what they do,” Knauff said. “But we thought, there must be better way to do this. We all have the same goals, but by creating an organization to support to local efforts, while implementing best practices, we can have an even greater impact.”

The organization helps local cleanup efforts with volunteer recruitment and retention, partnership building, obtaining sponsorships, advertising, logistical support and more. 

The cleanup on Saturday attracted nearly 20 volunteers and several partnerships including Garbo Grabber, a Trumbull-based business that provided equipment for the event, and the local Department of Parks and Trees. An estimated 315 pounds/bags of garbage were cleaned up by the volunteers. Some of the more unique items were tires, water skis, and a plastic drum but much of the poundage was micro trash – water bottle caps, candy wrappers, straws, coffee lids, etc.- the type of micro plastics that enter the ecosystem and creates systemic, lasting damage.

“We’re so happy the Town of Stratford was so welcoming when we approached them with the idea,” Knauff said. “Trust me, volunteer for one of our beach clean ups and you’ll never look at a fun size mylar candy wrapper or plastic bottle cap the same way again.”

About Connecticut Clean Communities: 

A Connecticut based non-profit tasked with facilitating community clean ups across CT through education, public outreach, training, and event scheduling. By developing a set of best practices and sharing these with partners and advocates throughout CT we intend to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly practices statewide. 

Media Contact:

Linda Knauff | 

For Immediate Release

August 15, 2023

Nonprofit Organizes Business, Community Partners for Long Wharf Cleanup

Connecticut Clean Communities Looks to Maximize Cleanup Efforts Statewide by Providing Education, Structural Support and Creating Best Practices

NEW HAVEN, CT – A newly formed nonprofit backed by decades of community cleanup experience held its inaugural event on Saturday at Long Wharf attracting dozens of volunteers, partners and community leaders. 

“It was wonderful to see so many people and organizations come together to clean up such a vital area for the New Haven community,” said Linda Knauff, the Executive Director of Connecticut Clean Communities. “It’s a model that we plan to continue improving upon and replicate throughout Connecticut.”

While Connecticut Clean Communities was founded earlier this year, it began more than five years ago as Knauff and other volunteers began talking about their experiences with local cleanup efforts and ways they could be improved. 

“People involved in local cleanup efforts throughout Connecticut are passionate about what they do,” Knauff said. “But we thought, there has to be better way to do this. We all have the same goals, but by creating an organization to support to local efforts, while studying best practices, we can have an even greater impact.”

The organization helps local cleanup efforts with volunteer recruitment and retention, partnership building, obtaining sponsorships, advertising, logistical support and more. 

The cleanup on Saturday attracted nearly 20 volunteers and several partnerships including Garbo Grabber, a Trumbull-based business that provided equipment for the event, and the local Department of Parks and Trees. An estimated 90 pounds/bags of garbage was cleaned up by the volunteers. 

“We’re so happy the City of New Haven’s Department of Parks and Trees were so welcoming when we approached them with the idea,” Knauff said. “We appreciate their support.”

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About Connecticut Clean Communities: 

A Connecticut based non-profit tasked with facilitating community clean ups across CT through education, public outreach, training, and event scheduling. By developing a set of best practices and sharing these with partners and advocates throughout CT we intend to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly practices statewide. 

Media Contact:

Dirk Perrefort | dperrefort@gmail.com| 203-470-0699