LEWISTON — The city of Lewiston is launching its “Adopt a Trash Can Program” following adoption of a policy by the City Council in that regard. Following the painting/decorating of numerous 55-gallon drums by the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, the “adopt” volunteer program was developed as a way to further beautify the downtown area.

Participation in the program is available to anyone who is interested, and those individuals will sign and submit an application form that outlines the responsibilities of the voluntary program. In exchange for a volunteer agreeing to adopt a trash can, the city will provide one of two options to assist the volunteer’s efforts:

A one-unit credit from an annual apartment building solid waste bill, with the volunteer supplying trash can liners, gloves and means of disposing the waste.

Two punch passes to the Lewiston Solid Waste Facility, one box of trash can liners and one box of plastic gloves.

Maintenance of the can is defined as picking up litter in the area surrounding the can, emptying the can when it is full, or sooner if deemed necessary, and properly disposing of the waste. Reports of any stolen or damaged cans must be reported to the Lewiston Public Works Department at 513-3140 or TTY/TDD 513-3007.

Application forms may be found online at www.ci.lewiston.me.us under “Special Notices” and on the “Public Works Department” Web page, as well as at municipal customer service windows. Applications should to be submitted to Heather Hunter, deputy finance director, Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240 or via hhunter@ci.lewiston.me.us as an e-mail PDF.