Mayor Michael Nutter (hat) meets Heavy Hitta's boxing coach Lonnie Haile at the 2011 Philly Spring Cleanup on Rising Sun Avenue. Also pictured on left are clean-up organizers Kathy Wersinger of 9th District Councilwoman Marian Tasco's office and Matt Taubenberger of the Rising Sun Avenue Business Association. Photo/Ian Romano

The countdown is on for the fifth annual Philly Spring Cleanup, and residents can now register to volunteer for projects in their neighborhood.

“Thousands of volunteers, hundreds of projects and millions of pounds of trash and recycling have been collected over the last four years,” Mayor Michael Nutter said in his announcement yesterday in Kensington. “We’ve accomplished a lot, but I know we can do better this year.”

Now until March 30, residents can submit project ideas and receive equipment and other assistance from the city to spruce up a spot in their neighborhoods. Those not looking to start their own projects can sign up as volunteers.

More than 45,000 people have volunteered over the years to collect almost six million tons of trash – enough to fill Lincoln Financial Field up to 17.4 ft. high.

This year’s clean-up is scheduled for April 14, and the rain date in April 28.