The solitary volunteer went viral after sharing before-and-after photos of cleanups he carried out himself in his neighborhood.
The solitary volunteer, who uses his time and often his own money to remove illegally dumped trash in the Bay Area, San Francisco, USA, went viral after sharing before-and-after photos of cleanups he conducted in his neighborhood.
During the pandemic, Andrew Y. Wang, known online as “Pengweather”, watched many videos of people dedicating their time to projects aimed at improving the Bay Area and was inspired by what he saw.
In 2021, upon noticing piles of illegally dumped trash on a street, Wang decided what he wanted to do to contribute to the community. Seeing heaps of debris scattered illegally, he wondered what tourists would think upon seeing it.
His project began with a solitary cleanup and expanded into a mission to combat illegal dumping and restore public spaces across the Bay Area. Wang cleans everything from the city’s most urban areas to neglected natural spaces. Often, he uses his own money to pay landfill fees, which can amount to as much as $500.
To raise awareness about his volunteer work, Wang documents and shares his efforts on social media. The photos showcasing the before-and-after results of his cleanups have motivated others to join him in this cause.
His efforts have caught the attention of internet users, and his actions continue to inspire more people to mobilize, clean up their own neighborhoods, and transform their communities.
In 2025, Wang hopes to monetize his YouTube and Instagram platforms to fund his cleanup projects and support local nonprofits, homeless services, and more.
