Westport’s Annual Cleanup Returns for Its Ninth Year

Look out Westport, the C.O.W.s are back in town.

For the ninth year, volunteers of Team C.O.W (Clean Our Westport) in Westport will come together to tackle litter and beautify the town through the annual community cleanup.

What started as a small group of 20 people with a pickup truck has grown into an operation of 200 volunteers making a visible impact on the town’s streets.

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This year’s cleanup is set for Saturday, April 12, starting at 9 a.m. at the south parking lot of the old high school on Main Road. In the event of rain, the cleanup will take place the following day, April 13.

The cleanup effort covers as many streets as possible throughout Westport, excluding major roads like Route 6 and 177, which require state permits. Volunteers will be assigned streets based on need, with priority given to those most affected by litter.

A Passion for a Cleaner Westport

Event organizer Martin Costa, who originally ran a local campground, has always had a passion for keeping spaces clean.

“When I ran the campground, it was like Disneyland: spotless,” he said. “I just feel like this is my way of giving back. In a world where everybody’s so divided, this is something that brings people together."

“It’s a chance to work as a team and do our small part to take care of the Earth," he said.

Volunteers and Support

The cleanup is open to all ages and abilities, whether someone can dedicate three hours or just 30 minutes.

Volunteers don’t need to bring supplies; everything is provided, including gloves, safety vests and grabber tools, which are given away in hopes that participants will continue cleanup efforts on their own time.

Local businesses including WIN Waste, BayCoast Bank and Perfect Smiles Dentistry have stepped up to support the effort by providing funding, supplies, and even teams of volunteers. WIN Waste, for example, donated a massive 30-yard dumpster, saving organizers thousands of dollars in disposal fees.

At the end of the event, a separate team collects the filled bags from the roadsides, nailing down the last leg of the cleanup process.

Get Involved

Anyone interested in participating can simply show up on the morning of April 12. For those who want to sign up in advance, email CleanOurWestport@gmail.com.

With each passing year, the cleanup continues to grow, inspiring other towns like Dartmouth to consider starting similar efforts. One morning of teamwork makes a lasting difference in keeping Westport beautiful.