When you picture American cities (not small towns), “clean” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. Trash on the sidewalks, smog hanging in the air, and popular beaches riddled with litter. But some cities have managed to pull it off.

Whether through strict policies, smart investments, or sheer community buy-in, these places stand out in expert rankings as the cleanest in the country.

Here are the top five.

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu tops nearly every list. The American Lung Association reports the city has the lowest particle pollution of any U.S. metro, and its beaches are still as immaculate as they look in travel ads.

The Hawaiian paradise isn’t banking only on its scenery. The city has rolled out solar programs, water-saving measures, and a plan to plant 100 million t

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