Wecycle Hosts 6th Annual Austin Neighborhood Cleanup

Landscaping company brings community together for street sweeping, window washing, and celebration

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of cleaning supplies like brooms, trash bags, and sponges repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the vibrant energy and community spirit of Wecycle's annual street cleaning event.Wecycle's annual street cleaning event brings the Austin community together to beautify their neighborhood and foster a sense of unity.Chicago Today

For the sixth year, West Side landscaping and snow removal company Wecycle is hosting its annual street cleaning event on April 25 to tidy up the roads of Austin. Locals will gather at 5922 W. Division St. at 11 a.m. and head east down the street to pick up trash, sweep debris, and clean windows. The cleaning crew will then head south on Central and end at 5840 W. Chicago Ave. for a scavenger hunt, giveaways, food, and music.

Why it matters

Wecycle's annual cleanup event brings the Austin community together to beautify their neighborhood and foster a sense of unity. The event has been attended by local officials and community groups in the past, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts to improve public spaces.

The details

Wecycle, a landscaping and snow removal company founded in 2019, has been hosting its annual street cleaning event for the past six years. During the event, volunteers pick up litter, sweep debris, and clean windows along a route starting at 5922 W. Division St. and ending at 5840 W. Chicago Ave. After the cleaning, the community gathers for a scavenger hunt, giveaways, food from Uncle Gene's BBQ, and music by DJ Lipgloss.

  • The 6th annual Wecycle street cleaning event will take place on April 25, 2026.
  • The cleanup will begin at 11 a.m. on April 25.

The players

Wecycle

A landscaping and snow removal company founded in 2019 that hosts an annual street cleaning event in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

David Malik Fleming

The founder of Wecycle who started the annual cleaning event as a way to bring beauty and unity back to the community.

Doris Freeman

The 'better half' of David Malik Fleming who helps fundraise for the Wecycle cleaning event and runs BarStar Carmen Catering LLC.

Camille Lilly

A state representative who has attended Wecycle's annual cleaning event in the past.

Emma Mitts

An alderman who has attended Wecycle's annual cleaning event in the past.

Chris Taliaferro

An alderman who has attended Wecycle's annual cleaning event in the past.

Timothy Williams

The pastor of Trinity Community Baptist Church who leads attendees in prayer during the Wecycle cleaning event.

Ladonna Truss

The founder of Trust in Truss Second Chance Program who will share information about independent living housing options at the end of this year's Wecycle cleanup.

Carmen Catering LLC

A catering company founded by Doris Freeman that will have a table at the end of this year's Wecycle cleanup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'People look forward to it. The community always comes out. That's what we look forward to.'”

— David Malik Fleming, Founder of Wecycle

“'a good time, bringing beauty and unity back to the community.'”

— David Malik Fleming, Founder of Wecycle

What’s next

Wecycle is working to connect youth from summer work programs with the company to provide training to the next generation of landscapers, further expanding the impact of their annual cleaning event.

The takeaway

Wecycle's annual street cleaning event demonstrates the power of grassroots community efforts to beautify public spaces and bring people together. By mobilizing volunteers, partnering with local businesses and organizations, and engaging youth, Wecycle is making a tangible difference in the Austin neighborhood.