City of Cedar Rapids, IA

10/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2026 16:40

Join us for the City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge Community Clean-Up Event

Each year, the City of Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling division undertakes concentrated efforts to remove litter from City streets, parks, and Interstate 380. This effort is in addition to a variety of annual "fall cleaning" work by multiple City departments to enhance the City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge program, reducing pollution and improving beauty across our community.

"Residents can take pride in Cedar Rapids' clean, friendly, and inviting neighborhoods," said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. "There is never a day off in the fight against litter. I hope residents will be inspired by the work underway and consider pitching in by taking my 1-Bag Challenge."

City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge Community Event

WHAT: Litter removal from the west side of the river starting at McGrath Amphitheatre.
City staff and community members will work along the river clearing grassy areas of litter and debris. Participants will be given 1-Bag Challenge kits as well as snacks.

WHERE: Starting at the main entrance to McGrath Amphitheatre, 475 1st St SW, Cedar Rapids

WHEN: Friday, October 30, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

City Manager Jeff Pomeranz challenges residents to join the City's efforts to take climate action! The City Manger's 1-Bag Challenge began in 2012. The challenge has inspired many residents to clean up one bag of litter each year - to the tune of over 37,000 bags collected since the program's inception. Residents can participate in this year's Community City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge on April 19th starting at 12 p.m. Can't make it? Pick up a 1-Bag Challenge kit (a special litter-collection bag and pair of gloves) from locations all over town.

Can't make it October 30? Where to pick up a kit:

Mint green bags are already available for pickup at the locations listed below:

  • Designated Hy-Vee Food or Drug Stores in Cedar Rapids (available behind the Customer Service counter)
    • 4035 Mt Vernon Rd SE
    • 505 Boyson Rd NE
    • 2001 Blairs Ferry Rd NE
    • 3235 Oakland Rd NE
    • 4825 Johnson Ave NW
    • 1843 Johnson Ave NW
    • 5050 Edgewood Rd NE
    • 20 Wilson Ave SW
  • NewBo City Market (1100 3rd St SE)
  • Cedar Rapids Public Library Locations
    • Downtown Library (450 5th Avenue SE)
    • Busse Branch Library (1845 Sandberg Lane SW)
  • Cedar Rapids City Services Center (please call ahead for bigger groups)
  • Cedar Rapids City Hall

How the program works:

  1. Pick up a litter-collection kit at a designated location, then
  2. Fill the bag with litter you find around your neighborhood, place of work, or wherever you see the need, and finally
  3. Residents can set a full mint-green challenge bag beside their GARBY cart on their normal garbage collection day. The special bags do not require an extra $1.50 sticker. For those without a GARBY cart, handle the bag like you would a normal bag of trash.

Additional 1-Bag Challenge program details can be found at CityofCR.com/1Bag. Parties interested in adopting a road or completing the 1-Bag Challenge as a group are encouraged to fill out the form on that page.

Let the City know of a neighborhood concern at CityofCR.com/MyCR or through the City's mobile app, Mobile CR.

City of Cedar Rapids, IA published this content on October 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 28, 2026 at 22:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]