“Keeping Prince Edward Island clean and beautiful is everyone's responsibility,” said Ms Thompson. “The Women’s Institute is happy to organize this annual event; however, we count on the participation of Islanders to get the job done.”

The Women’s Institute organized the first roadside cleanup in 1973 and it has continued every year.

“Although the Women’s Institute started the roadside cleanup, all Islanders share a responsibility for keeping Prince Edward Island clean and I urge everyone to help out on Saturday,” said Minster of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Richard Brown. “I would like to thank the Women’s Institute for organizing this event every year as well as promoting the message that we all have a responsibility to keep our Island clean.”

The Women’s Institute has notified all schools to encourage teachers and students to clean up school properties and playgrounds. Prizes will be awarded to each school district for the best cleanup poster.

Free cleanup bags are available and should be picked up by Friday, May 13. The bags are available at Access PEI sites in Alberton, Charlottetown, Montague, Souris, O'Leary, Summerside, Wellington and Tignish. Bags are also available at the Charlottetown Agricultural Research Station, Cornwall Town Office, Stratford Town Office and Kensington Potato Services. Litter collection bags are also available at Island Waste Management Corporation facilities at Brockton, New London, Murray River and Dingwells Mills, GreenIsle Charlottetown (Superior Sanitation) and the East Prince Waste Management facility in Wellington.

Although the cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, people can participate anytime this week. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will pick up the waste bags at the roadside following the cleanup.