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Spring cleaning targets Indianapolis roads

Ex-offenders are picking up the trash
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INDIANAPOLIS—There's a lot of litter along Indianapolis roads — tons of it, in fact.

Working with the organization "Keys to Work," the city is using ex-offenders to pick up some of the trash.

Crews of six to ten people working eight hour shifts have collected more than seven tons of litter since beginning their work in late-February, according to the mayor's office.

"Each year, with the arrival of spring, the city unfortunately sees an increase in litter along roadways, sticking in the grass, and wedged into fences," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "Today we are taking a big step forward in our clean up efforts with the help of the men and women at Keys to Work. Our partnership with this organization is critical to our community — not only providing ex-offenders with opportunities to earn money, but improving the quality of life enjoyed by all residents."

Work will continue through the first week of May.

Wednesday's clean up focused on North Post Road from 25th Street to 30th Street.

Last year, according to the city, Keys to Work staff closed out a backlog of nearly 3,000 resident-reported cases of illegal dumping in alleys, medians, roadways and greenways.