BAYONNE, NJ – Through the recent launch of a new “Clean Sweeps” initiative, two troops of Bayonne Boy Scouts are keeping true to the community service focus of the organization by helping rid their community of litter.

“COVID-19 has caused a problem with litter,” said First Ward Councilman Neil Carroll III who has supported the effort by donating brooms, bags, gloves, masks and more. “People are not cutting their grass or cleaning up in front of their homes. There is a mass of stuff on the sidewalks.”

For the past three weeks members of Troops 27 and Troop 327 have been scouring the neighborhoods of the city, working a different block each time. “This is not exclusive to the scouts,” Carroll said. “These troops are just taking the lead.”

Carroll said the cleanups are similar to those that have traditionally taken place on Earth Day, and is one that he hopes others will support. “We need volunteers to come out and help us clean up our city,” said.

The next phase, Carroll added, will be to seek a Clean Community grant that is exclusive to funding programs that combat litter.