In August, more than 1,000 volunteers from throughout the Chattahoochee watershed gathered at 43 parks, trails, and creeks to fight litter pollution. As a result, approximately 73,646 pounds (36.8 tons) of garbage were removed from the waterways we all share. Of that 73,646 pounds, more than 19,288 pounds (9.6 tons) were able to be recycled.
Sweep the Hooch is an annual watershed-wide trash cleanup that brings together hundreds of volunteers each year at dozens of parks, tributaries, and access points along the Chattahoochee River. This year, the event celebrated its tenth anniversary as volunteers gathered a record-setting amount of trash removed from the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries, despite the cleanup being rescheduled from its original spring date.
“The results of this year’s Sweep the Hooch speak volumes about not just our volunteers, but how our community is recognizing the importance of caring for the water we need for hand washing, outdoor recreation, and more,” said Tammy Bates, Outings Manager with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, who coordinates the cleanup. “Every year, we hope for more volunteers, more trash collected; and this year, despite numerous obstacles, we’re thrilled to announce more litter removed from our waterways than ever before.”
Last year, more than 1,154 dedicated community volunteers gathered a record-setting 32 tons of trash and tires from and along the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries in just one day.
In honor of Sweep the Hooch turning ten, CRK is encouraging everyone to fundraise on behalf of their favorite spot on the river using an online donation platform. All funds raised will support the organization’s year-round cleanup efforts, including volunteer opportunities and in-stream trash collection devices.
More information at Chattahoochee.org
