Dozens of volunteers, armed with gloves and trash bags, hit the streets for the Great Broadway Sweep - part of a series of cleanups happening in all five boroughs, with Union Square as the starting point. The Sanitation Foundation and NYC's Department of Sanitation organized the initiative.

“We really believe New York City can be the cleanest big city in the world," said Pam Harris, president of the Sanitation Foundation. "It seems like a big goal, but when each of us steps up, it’s possible. These amazing volunteers want to keep their neighborhood clean.”

TV personality Andy Cohen also participated.

“Pick up trash, help your neighbors, and support the Sanitation Department. They do a great job, but we all can help out.”

This marks Cohen’s second year joining the cleanup effort, emphasizing the importance of actions over words.

The event also focuses on reducing food waste, just ahead of the city’s composting program expansion on Oct. 7.

“Once you do a cleanup, you’ll never see NYC the same way again,” Harris added.

The Great Broadway Sweep runs until Oct. 6, with more cleanup events happening across the city. For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Sanitation Foundation.