"Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful:" City crafts plan to spruce up the streets in spring

MILWAUKEE -- The snow was all but gone on Wednesday, March 22nd in Milwaukee, revealing the unflattering side of spring. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was at 53rd Street School on Wednesday morning, recruiting help cleaning it all up.

Mayor Barrett and the organization "Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful" are looking for more than 50,000 volunteers and FOX6 News was told 53rd Street School was a great place to start.

"For all the years that we've been participating, the students not only learn about recycling, not only learn the value of keeping our lakes, waters and rivers clean," said Joe Wilson with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful.

Tom Barrett

In addition, Wilson said the message resonates with elementary school students into their teenage years.

"You have layers and layers of litter," said Barrett.

Mayor Barrett led Wednesday's spring cleaning kickoff. During the month of April, the city will offer free trash pickup.

"As long as it's not hazardous or any paint," said Jeff Smith with the Department of Sanitation.

Also this spring, residents will be able to register online for cleaning supplies, like rakes, brooms and shovels.

"And grabbers which are those orange things," said Wilson.

53rd Street School

"If you ever see somebody (littering) say, 'hey, somebody has to pick that up,'" said Barrett.

The citywide cleanup begins April 17th, in the neighborhood around 53rd Street School, it will run in phases until June 5th.

To find out when your neighborhood can take advantage, CLICK HERE.