The Cornwall Cleanup Crew exists today thanks to the actions of one dedicated citizen.
During the fall and winter of 2022 this person single-handedly removed hundreds of pounds of trash found along the north and south sides of Route 9W that passes through the Town of Cornwall. Single-handedly filling19 large contractor bags, he knew help was needed to continue. The growing need prompted him to write a letter to the editor of the Cornwall Local newspaper pointing out the circumstances and asking for assistance.
That letter attracted 5-6 responses from people across the Cornwall community. A dedicated group began to meet weekly to organize trash cleanups at different roadway sites throughout Cornwall.
That core group quickly evolved into the Cornwall Cleanup Crew.
Through that growth, the Crew started up a Facebook and Instagram page to raise awareness, educate the community and attract new volunteers.
A mission statement was drafted, and bylaws written, then officers were elected. Monthly meetings were established and are to this day open to the public.
The Cornwall Cleanup Crew was incorporated in the State of New York and received official 501(c)3 nonprofit tax status in 2023. Our official business name is Hudson Valley Cleanup Crew which meets the plans to develop cleanup crews in neighboring towns.
Our Impact:
In 2023 the Cornwall Cleanup Crew logged 1,500 volunteer hours collecting over 10,000 tons of trash! We established relationships with the town, county and state DOT to pick up the weekly collection of trash to dispose of per their regulations.
(We also collaborated with other volunteer groups to assist with cleanup after the July 2023 catastrophic flooding in the neighboring Town of Highland Falls.)
2023 Trash counts:
| Tires | 599 | Car battery’s | 12 |
| Oil filters and containers | 53 | Guard rails/signage | 32 |
| Mattresses/ Box springs | 32 | Tanks (scuba, propane) | 12 |
| TVs | 18 | Car/truck parts | 153 |
| Contractor debris bags | 98 | Microwave | 3 |
| Dishwashers | 6 | Furniture | 82 |
| Toilets | 19 | Children’s toys | Too many to count |
| Refrigerators | 2 | Political and other signs | 58 |
| Water Heaters | 4 | Bicycles | 14 |
| Howitzer shell casing | 1 | Trophies | 8 |