Litter-Buster In West Orange Is Inspiring Community Pride

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Want to make Daniel Cunningham’s day? Pick up that trash you just chucked on the ground, West Orange’s resident litter-buster says.

For Cunningham, his role with the Downtown West Orange Alliance is more than a job – it’s a commitment to building a better community.

People who frequent Main Street have likely seen Cunningham at work. He spends about five hours every shift donning a fluorescent green safety vest as he hunts for wayward garbage in the township, putting in about 100 hours a month at the often-grueling task.

Part of the reason is pragmatic, he says.

“I hate litter,” Cunningham said. “I feel it takes away from seeing the real beauty of West Orange.”

“As people drive through our town their eyes should not be attracted to litter, but rather to the cleanliness of our neighborhoods and the beautiful homes,” he added.

With each can or plastic bag that he collects, Cunningham is also helping to raise awareness about much-larger issues, township officials point out: the importance of waste reduction, recycling, responsible consumption.

And a bigger sense of community pride is the cherry on top, town officials say.

According to public information officer Joseph Fagan:

“West Orange is not only becoming a cleaner place through Cunningham’s efforts, but it also fosters a stronger sense of community pride. Each small action contributes to environmental responsibility while making our neighborhoods more vibrant, sustainable, and inviting. It’s a visual transformation for public spaces that are scattered with litter as they become cleaner and more attractive. A litter-free environment enhances the overall aesthetics of a community. When public spaces are clean and well-maintained, residents feel a sense of pride in their surroundings. We all can do our part by helping Cunningham do his part. Please don’t litter for a cleaner and more attractive community. The cumulative effect can have a profound impact on the place we all call home.”

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