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CHARLOTTE — With city and county budgets getting tighter ridding public areas of litter is now considered an extra.

It's why environmental advocates said maintaining streets and highways is now largely up to the community. Around 400 volunteers, belonging to the group Jesus Ministry picked up trash on Saturday for the organization's “I Love Charlotte” cleanup.

Jake Wilson, Executive Director of Keeping Mecklenburg Beautiful, said that cleaning up the city is now the responsibility of the community

"From cigarette butts, to fast food, to cans, bottles, you'd be amazed what is found on the side of the roads. Yes, there is a lot to pick up," said Wilson.

But the volunteers, the service project means a lot more than just picking up a piece of paper. Jesus Ministry Executive Director Maudia Melendez wants that practice to become a tradition.

"The children are learning today one way that they can give back to the community," said Melendez.

With the budget cuts affecting area cleanup, Mecklenburg County environmental advocates are encouraging businesses and citizens to join their Adopt-A-Street and Adopt-A-Highway programs.