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Atlanta, GA – With the vision of a trash-free Chattahoochee in mind, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) is pleased to host the 15th annual Sweep the Hooch volunteer cleanup on Saturday, March 22. The cleanup will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at more than 60 locations throughout the Chattahoochee River watershed.

Litter pollution threatens rivers, lakes, and oceans around the world. The Chattahoochee River is no exception: trash in the river, its lakes, and its tributaries harms wildlife and prevents communities from enjoying outdoor spaces. Over time, plastics that are exposed to the elements break down into microplastics, which are potentially harmful to our water supply and to aquatic ecosystems.

In 2011, CRK organized a watershed-wide volunteer cleanup called Sweep the Hooch to address the problem of litter pollution in the Chattahoochee River Basin. That year, 360 volunteers helped remove 7,100 pounds of trash from our waterways in a single day.

Thanks to the continued support of community groups, businesses, municipalities, and volunteers, the impact of the event has grown significantly: last year, more than 1,200 Sweep the Hooch volunteers removed 65,000 pounds (or 32.5 tons) of trash and recyclables across the watershed.

“Sweep the Hooch began as an ambitious project to clean up the Chattahoochee,” says Tammy Bates, CRK Outings Director. “It has steadily grown into an event that people look forward to year after year. The impact is undeniable: since 2010, we’ve seen our volunteer base more than triple and the amount of trash removed increase nearly tenfold. It’s a testament to how communities truly care about the Chattahoochee River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.”

Volunteers can sign up for a cleanup site near them at sweepthehooch.org. Participation is free, but individual registration is required. CRK will provide necessary supplies. Teams, clubs, and community groups are welcome to participate, but are encouraged to sign up early; once a site reaches capacity, registration for that site will close.

Each volunteer will receive a one-year CRK membership to thank them for their hard work.

CRK is proud to host Sweep the Hooch and many other litter cleanups throughout the year as part of its mission to secure the protection of the Chattahoochee River now and for future generations. For more information about CRK, visit chattahoochee.org.