Keep Durham Beautiful, a nonprofit volunteer organization that aims to protect the environment and enhance the appearance of Durham, will host its annual Big Sweep litter cleanup in October.
Since 2005, more than 8,000 volunteers at Big Sweep events have removed 230,000 pounds of litter from trails, parks, roadsides and waterways, according to a news release from the city.
Cleanup events are scheduled throughout the month. Volunteers can join any event, and groups can register their own organized events.
Keep Durham Beautiful provides volunteers with bags, gloves, litter grabbers, vests and safety tips. The city will ensure that all collected litter is properly recycled or sent to the landfill.
Laura Smith, a senior communications analyst with the city’s Public Works department, said that the Big Sweep event helps keep downstream waterways clear of litter that can harm wildlife and break down into microplastics.
According to the release, a record 797 people participated in last year’s Big Sweep events. Registration for this year’s events is available online.
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