Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ald. David Moore, City Of Chicago Launch “Keep Chicago Clean” City Beautification Campaign

CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ald. David Moore, and the Departments of Streets and Sanitation and Environment launched “Keep Chicago Clean,” a public awareness campaign that engages all residents and visitors in a collaborative effort to reduce littering, improve waste management, and enhance the city's natural beauty. 

The campaign aims to promote environmental consciousness, civic responsibility, and sustainable urban living. It features public service announcements  on CTA rail and bus lines, Divvy Station digital screens, and at baggage claim areas at O’Hare and Midway Airports.

The PSA artwork depicts Chicagoans engaging in cleanup efforts throughout the city, at parks, and in their communities.  

“Whether you’re a born-and-raised Chicagoan or visiting the city for the first time, you have an important role to play in keeping Chicago clean,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Building strong, safe, and thriving communities starts with pride in the places we all home. By picking up your trash and disposing of your recycling in the blue carts, we can all do our part to ensure our streets, parks, schools, libraries, and businesses look their best.” 

Reducing waste and litter pollution are key drivers of improving community health and protecting our biodiversity.

Litter is unsightly, attracts rodents, and disrupts the habitats of Chicago’s wildlife. Additionally, when waste accumulates, it contributes to harmful carbon emissions in our neighborhoods.

The campaign theme centers the collective responsibility of all residents, visitors, and businesses to do their part in keeping Chicago beautiful and healthy. 

“Chicago is a world-class city, home to vibrant communities in which we work and live,” said Alderman David Moore. “To maintain the beauty of our city, and to keep our neighborhoods clean, we need the support of our residents.” 

The campaign goals align closely with DSS’s and DOE’s broader commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener, and healthier Chicago where every citizen takes pride in their neighborhoods.

Waste and carbon emission reduction are key strategies in the City’s Climate Action Plan. 

“DOE and our partners are unified in our efforts to build a sustainable and vibrant city for future generations,” said Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner Angela Tovar.  “We are proud to work together on this campaign and help advance the priorities outlined in Chicago’s Climate Action Plan.”

In addition to facilitating waste and recycling collection for 625,000 Chicago households and curb to curb street sweeping, DSS provides community-level support for individuals and groups participating in cleanup activities.

Anyone hosting or participating in a community cleanup event can call 311, and DSS will lend tools and cleaning supplies. 

“We take great pride in our work to keep Chicago clean and safe,” said DSS Commissioner Cole Stallard. “We can’t do it alone, though, and we thank everyone for pitching in to help.” 

The Keep Chicago Clean campaign will run through the summer, which is a peak time for tourist visits and myriad outdoor festivals, events, and concerts. For more information about the campaign and additional resources on environmental health, waste reduction, and recycling, visit the Keep Chicago Clean website at chi.gov/KCC.