Anchorage’s citywide cleanup has officially kicked off. Here’s how you can pitch in.

A rapid spring breakup in Anchorage has given way to the junk and debris that emerges each year after the snow melts.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to help clear trash around town, including the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s citywide cleanup event happening May 1-29.

The iconic orange cleanup bags are available for pickup at eight spots across the city beginning Monday, including the five Fred Meyer locations in Anchorage and Eagle River, the Anchorage Chamber office, the Anchorage Daily News and 94.7 KZND.

Orange bags filled with garbage can be dumped for free through May 29 at the Anchorage Regional Landfill near Eagle River, or in Midtown Anchorage at the Central Transfer Station or Northern Waste Services. Trash-filled orange bags should not be left on the side of the road.

Teams can register online for the chamber’s cleanup event through its website, where they can also reserve more bags.

Besides roadways, the Anchorage Waterways Council has more than 40 lakes, creeks and marshes that need to be cleaned, from University Lake to Fish Creek. The initiative improves the habitat for fish and water-friendly creatures alike.

Residents can sign up for the location of their choice and pick up junk between May 20 and 25.

Citywide cleanup organizers encourage participants to wear gloves and orange safety vests if picking up trash near roadways and intersections, and they ask parties to social distance and wear masks.

Needles can be disposed of in puncture-proof, lidded plastic containers, but the next-best option is a shampoo bottle or laundry detergent jug. Solid Waste Services asks participants to dispose of a filled container with the lid duct-taped shut.

Registration for a free summer disposal pass from Solid Waste Services will be available Saturday, May 1. The passes allow any Municipality of Anchorage resident to take one trash load up to 1,000 pounds to the landfill in Eagle River for free.

Multiple individuals in the same household can register for a pass. Girdwood residents can use their passes at the Girdwood Transfer Station.

May cleanup events

Westchester Lagoon

Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Listen to tunes from 101.3 KGOT while picking up garbage at Westchester Lagoon for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s kickoff event. Bags and gloves will be provided.

Various Anchorage School District sites

Saturday, May 1, and Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Anchorage School District parents and students are encouraged to pick up trash around 44 schools in Anchorage and Eagle River. Full trash bags can be returned to the school before 2 p.m., and Alaska Waste will haul the garbage away. Locations vary.

Downtown Anchorage

Wednesday, May 12, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Pick up trash downtown with the Anchorage Downtown Partnership and also patronize area businesses.

Girdwood

Friday, May 14-Sunday, May 16

Spend the weekend in Girdwood enjoying the views and raking up rubbish.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Wednesday, May 19, from 4-6:30 p.m.

Help the Anchorage Chamber Young Professionals Group clean up the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and learn about their Adopt-a-Trail initiative.

Glen Alps Trailhead

Thursday, May 20, from noon-3 p.m.

Join Mike Worden with Go Hike Alaska on a cleanup walk through the Glen Alps area.

Waterways around Anchorage

Thursday, May 20, through Tuesday, May 25

Gear up in your gloves and boots to clean up the city’s streams, lakes and more. Residents can sign up to clean the waterway of their choice.