Downtown Albany BID to Host Annual Earth Day Cleanup, Provide Free Lunch to Volunteers

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will host its annual Earth Day Cleanup on Wednesday, April 22, in celebration of Earth Day. Residents, businesses, and community members are encouraged to sign up in advance to volunteer and help keep downtown Albany clean and beautiful. 

Last year’s cleanup received 160 registered volunteers and resulted in 818 pounds of trash collected, our largest year to date. This year’s goal is to surpass that milestone. 

The BID, in partnership with the City of Albany Department of General Services, will provide all necessary cleanup supplies, including garbage and lawn bags, gloves, trash pickers, brooms, rakes, and shovels. 

Volunteers may register for one or both of the following shifts: 

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  

• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM  

Participants can check in at one of two locations within the District: 

Check-in Location A 
Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center (AMBACC) 
135 S Pearl St 
Lunch and refreshments will be served at 12:00 PM 

Check-in Location B 
Olde English Downtown Dog Park 
119 N Pearl St 
Lunch and refreshments will be served at 12:00 PM 

A free lunch and refreshments, provided by Coulson’s News & Deli, will be available at noon. An Energy Bike, sponsored by Global Partners LP, will also be available at the Olde English Downtown Dog Park, allowing participants to generate power to charge phones and other devices. 

Walk-up volunteers are welcome; however, lunch, equipment, and supplies are limited. 

Participants are encouraged to wear their Great Albany Clean Up t-shirts from past years. Businesses and organizations that are participating in groups are invited to wear branded apparel. A photographer will be on-site to capture group photos, which will be shared with participating organizations. 

Please refer to on-street signage for meter enforcement times and parking regulations. Additional parking is available at ParkAlbany’s Green-Hudson, Riverfront, and Quackenbush garages; standard parking fees apply. For more information and rates, visit parkalbany.com. 

In the event of rain, the Earth Day Cleanup will take place on Friday, April 24. 

The Downtown Albany BID thanks Prince Fuels, Coulson’s News & Deli, the City of Albany, and Global Partners LP for their generous support of this year’s Earth Day Cleanup. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.downtownalbany.org/earth-day-cleanup 

Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: 

“The annual Earth Day Cleanup has grown tenfold since it began, and we’re hopeful this year will be another major success. While the BID and the City provide daily cleaning and beautification services throughout Downtown, this event is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together as a community. Our collective efforts create an even greater impact and reinforce a shared commitment to keeping downtown Albany clean, welcoming, and vibrant. We’re grateful to the City of Albany for its partnership, and to our sponsors for their continued support.” 

City of Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs said:
“Events like this show what makes Albany special. Our City has residents, businesses, and community partners that come together to help beautify our City and take pride in the place we all share. I am grateful to Downtown Albany BID and our Department of General Services for hosting this event, and I want to thank every volunteer who shows up to put in the work. Keeping our city clean is about more than just appearance. It supports public safety, strengthens our neighborhoods, and helps create a thriving, bustling Downtown where people want to spend their time. I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of this effort to keep Albany clean, welcoming, and vibrant.”

Prince Fuels President Ahil Dawoodani said: 

"Coulsons News and Deli is proud to join the Downtown Albany BID for this year’s Earth Day event. Keeping our Downtown clean makes a meaningful impact on both residents and local businesses, and we’re excited to be part of an effort that strengthens our community."