“Team Up to Clean Up” Litter Kits Now Available for Check Out at Delaware County Libraries
Delaware County, PA — The Delaware County Office of Sustainability and Delaware County Libraries are excited to announce the launch of a new partnership bringing litter solutions directly into communities across Delaware County.
Beginning July 29th, 2026, residents can borrow a "Team Up to Clean Up" litter kit from any Delaware County Libraries’ location—just like checking out a book. Available to anyone with a Delaware County Libraries’ card, these kits provide an easy way for residents to earn volunteer hours, take pride in their neighborhoods, and become part of the solution to litter.
As Pennsylvanians, we are no strangers to the impacts of litter. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's 2021 Litter Action Plan, 90 percent of residents agree that litter is a major problem in our state due to its effects on the environment, property values, tourism and local businesses, public wellbeing, and community safety. At the same time, municipalities often face limited resources. Keep Delco Beautiful recognizes these challenges and aims to build capacity and community stewardship by empowering residents eager to take action.
"We're happy to be able to work with our partners in the Delaware County Office of Sustainability to offer these kits in libraries," said Anny Laepple, Director of Delaware County Libraries. "The kits offer our users the opportunity to help keep their communities clean and beautiful using materials provided for them through this partnership."
The Delaware County Office of Sustainability is tremendously grateful to Delaware County Libraries for their staff support, enthusiasm, and commitment to bringing this idea to fruition.
As of July 29th, 2026, two litter kits will be available for check out at most Delaware County Libraries’ locations. Each kit contains two foldable trash grabbers, two trash bags, two branded high-visibility safety vests, a pack of disinfecting wipes, and an instructional sheet. Planning a larger cleanup? Residents can check out both kits to support a four-person effort or request kits from another location to be transported to their closest library.
"Litter is an issue that can feel overwhelming and leave people wondering where to even begin,” said Olivia Sansone, Sustainability Coordinator with the Delaware County Office of Sustainability. "These kits remove that barrier by putting the tools directly into residents' hands. Whether you're a student looking for volunteer hours or a family wanting to give back, this program makes it easy to turn good intentions into action. Small efforts, repeated and visible across our communities, can have a big impact on cleaning up current litter and reducing negative future behavior.”
Residents interested in borrowing a litter kit can contact their local Delaware County library for availability and checkout information. Find more information regarding your local library on the Delaware County Libraries website.
In 2023 the Delaware County Office of Sustainability established Keep Delco Beautiful, a local affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, to serve as a countywide hub for beautification efforts. The affiliate serves to convene more than 20 local groups and organizations that are working to make Delaware County beautiful through litter and illegal dumping cleanups, tree plantings, education and advocacy, the promotion of zero-waste solutions, and further initiatives that advance the goals of both the County Sustainability Plan and the Zero Waste Plan. More information about Keep Delco Beautiful and the many organizations who participate can be found on the Delaware County Office of Sustainability webpage.