The 1k for $1k Litter Pickup Challenge is wrapped up for 2025 and in the bag (and in the landfill)!

When it comes to picking up litter, District 13 understood the assignment. The 1k for $1k litter pick up challenge has been so successful, and the difference you all have made is profound. Our communities are so much cleaner, and because of the incredible commitment of residents, I was able to pass a motion at council (here) asking for a comprehensive litter strategy, where it passed unanimously. No doubt, the success of that motion was because I had data to share. Using just two litter pickups as an example, I informed Regional Council that less than 6km of the road to Peggy’s Cove was covered in 2.5 metric tons of litter and debris.

Special thanks to those community groups, non-profits and sports organizations that participated this year: New Life Community Church, Roots to Boots Forestry Society, The Anglican Perish of St. Luke’s Hubbards (St. Luke’s Earth Keepers), Prospect Peninsula Residents' Association, West Dover Community Association, Team Black CFB, Terence Bay Community Hall Association, Chebucto Atlantics Hockey, Halifax County Soccer, 1st Prospect Scout Group, Fire Safe Society of Masons Point, The Peggy’s Cove Preservation Society, 2025 Women’s Canada Games Softball, Prospect Road Community Center, PRCMBA (Prospect Mariners Baseball), Hubbards Area Recreation Association, St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association, Westwood Hills Homeowners Association, Fury Girls Basketball, and 250 Vimy Air Cadet Squadron (pickup coming in October).

Due to the success of this year’s pickups, I will continue to the 1k for $1k litter pickup challenge as a fair and meaningful way to distribute district capital funds throughout our communities in the upcoming years. Remember, litter pickups count as volunteer hours for FireSmart Community designation!

About the challenge:

District 13 has a serious litter problem. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it's time we act like it. I have partnered with the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up  to offer $1000 in district capital funds in exchange for cleaning up 1km of District 13’s roads, beaches, parks and trails. Registered non-profit organizations, schools, and sports organizations in District 13 are encouraged to apply.

Due to the enormous success of this initiative in 2025, I'll be bringing it back again for 2026. 
 

How to apply:

• Reach out to me at Nancy.Hartling@halifax.ca to confirm your group qualifies, the area your group wishes to pick up litter, the number of people who will be participating, and your capital request.
• Once you’ve confirmed you qualify and your group has been selected, you will need to complete a District Capital Fund Request Form.
• Pick a date. You litter pick up will be coordinated with Divert NS and the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up, and your team will be provided litter pick-up kits necessary for the day. Tipping fees will be waved for any collected garbage dropped off to the Otter Lake facility, or HRM can arrange garbage collection.