Thousands of pounds of trash removed from Bronx streets

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The Department of Sanitation is known as New York's strongest. They get some help from hundreds of volunteers every year. 

Teams with The Sanitation Foundation have been working in the Bronx this summer in five neighborhoods. 

The non-profit group supports the department, creates educational seminars, and holds volunteer events. 

People and groups can register with the foundation to participate.

Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson is a musician and producer featured on The Bronx Walk of Fame. 

As part of the clean-up crew, he’s actually working on the sidewalk along the Grand Concourse. 

“I walk these streets. I come to Yankee games. I see trash around. I wanted to come out and clean up. It can only be good for us if it’s clean,” he said. 

On Friday, the volunteers received a special reward from the Yankees after working in the Concourse neighborhood. 

The director of community relations for the team attended to award vouchers for two tickets to a game. 

“We create championship teams on and off the field. We’re part of this community and we always will be," said Kenny Leandry. 

Nearly 500 people have participated this summer. 

Debra Hamilton doesn’t like litter but is having a good time for a good reason. “I like to clean. I want to keep the community clean,” she said. 

It has been a record-breaking summer but it’s not a number they want to be bragging about. 

Johari James with the foundation says in Mott Haven, they collected nearly 2,000 pounds, the largest haul in their history. 

On August 17, volunteers will work in Corona, Queens, and tickets are available for some U.S. Open events.

In September, they’re cleaning up sections along all the Broadways in each borough.