For those looking for an opportunity to make a difference in our community, we welcome you to join us on Saturday, May 3rd for East Peoria’s Clean Sweep. Clean Sweep is an annual event organized by the East Peoria Beautification Commission. We are seeking individuals and teams to join us in our efforts to pick up trash in high-traffic areas throughout the city. Volunteers will gather at the Festival Building at 2200 E. Washington Street at 8am, with doughnuts and beverages awaiting their arrival. The Clean Sweep will occur from 8:30am until Noon, followed by door prize drawings. The City will provide gloves, reflective safety vests, and trash bags. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up by using the online form found on the City’s website www.cityofeastpeoria.com or by calling 309-208-8484. 

One of the biggest complaints we receive from residents, business owners, and visitors alike is regarding the never-ending trash that litters our roadways and rights-of-way. No matter whether it is IDOT property, City property, or privately owned property, the high volume of trash that continually litters our roadways and rights-of-way is both a poor and improper reflection of East Peoria.

We all must do our part in keeping East Peoria beautiful. The City plans to have a greater presence this year in better maintaining rights-of-way and along high-traffic roadways throughout Corporate limits, to include picking up trash and mowing. Our crews work extremely hard to keep pace with this ongoing problem, but we simply cannot do it alone. Despite whom may have disposed of the trash, we all have a responsibility to keep our private, public, and business properties free from litter. We recognize that there will always be those who simply do not care. Our goal is to ultimately change their behavior by showing them that the majority of us actually do care and choose to set a better example. 

Community pride runs deep in East Peoria, and we would greatly appreciate a strong showing of support in this endeavor. The Clean Sweep may only be held once per year, but we seek volunteers year-round who may be willing to clean up with us. The City will provide gloves, reflective safety vests, and trash bags to any individuals or groups who wish to volunteer. The City then collects and disposes of the trash bags afterwards. Not only do the members of the Beautification Commission volunteer their time to coordinate East Peoria’s Clean Sweep, they also recognize residences and businesses who go the extra mile to enhance the look of their property and the City through the Paul Peterson Bright Spot Award. We would love to add your residence or business to the list of recipients in 2025. Together let’s keep East Peoria beautiful. 

Always grateful,
John