The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the City of Minneapolis will host the 19th annual Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in neighborhoods and parks throughout the city.

The Earth Day Cleanup has become the largest community service project in Minneapolis and takes place at nearly 40 cleanup sites. Since 2008, more than 12,000 residents have removed more than 75,000 pounds of garbage. It’s free to participate and the public is encouraged to participate by volunteering to help pick up trash in parks, neighborhoods, and watersheds. No registration is needed – just choose a site and show up to help. For more information about the event and a list of cleanup sites, visit www.minneapolisearthday.com or call 612-230-6479.

The City of Minneapolis would also like to remind residents of its yard waste collection policy. In accordance with state law and City policy, yard waste must be placed at the solid waste collection point in Kraft paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable containers with sturdy handles. Reusable containers must be approximately 33 gallons in size, at least 26 inches in height and must weigh less than 40 pounds when full. For more information regarding Yard Waste Collection, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste or call 612-673-2917.

Recycle Run 5k and Free Kids Run – Sunday, April 21, 2013
The Recycle Run was created to support sustainable park projects including the Earth Day Cleanup. The event takes place Sunday, April 21 around beautiful Lake Harriet in south Minneapolis. Youth ages 11 and younger can participate in the free half-mile kids run. The 5K Run is a chip-timed event. All participants will receive a t-shirt and giveaways with registration. Participants are encouraged to bring used running shoes and shirts to be collected and recycled. For more information or to register, visit www.minneapolisrecyclerun.com.