Trick-or-Trash: Halloween clean-up campaign launching in Ottawa

A Halloween clean-up initiative is being launched in the nation's capital.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic leaving trick-or-treating on the backburner for many people, Ottawa's Aileen Duncan has created 'Trick-or-Trash' as part of her community service work as an Ocean Bridge youth ambassador. 

Duncan wants to encourage people in the community, and across Canada, to dress up, enjoy some time outside and make a positive impact this Halloween. She has created a Facebook page with how-to instructions for her campaign and has also organized a series of cleanups through Ocean Wise's Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup site. 

On Saturday, October 31, Duncan will be leading community cleanups in Ottawa:

• Strathcona Park – 10:30 a.m. 
• Ottawa River Pathway – 1 p.m. 
• Remic Rapids –  3 p.m. 

Duncan is also encouraging people to sign up for cleanups in other parts of the country.

“Anyone can participate no matter where they are, as long as they're in a place where there's pollution – which is unfortunately a lot of our environments and communities,” she explains. “Halloween in general is a bit of a waste-driven holiday. You have a lot of these individually wrapped small candies, and it's not the most sustainable way to enjoy these sweets.”

Anyone who participates in a cleanup is encouraged to use the hashtag #TrickOrTrash on social media, and Duncan says the cleanup can take place anytime between Friday, October 30 and Sunday, November 1. 

Head to the 'Trick-or-Trash Facebook page if you have any questions or for help finding a cleanup to participate in.