Sunday, September 8th, 2019
Down the River Clean Up on Oregon’s Clackamas River
In partnership with the Clackamas River Basin Council
Do you happen to love this river as much as we do?
If you have ever fallen in love with this or any river, we invite you to join us for this spectacular day of organized chaos where 300+ river-lovers jump in their rafts, kayaks, drift boats – or maybe even dawn a snorkel mask – uniting to scour the banks and bottom of 20+ miles of riverway from Milo McIver Park to Clackamette Park where the Clackamas empties into the Willamette.
Get wet, do the Truffle Shuffle, race your neighbor to extract the biggest hulking piece of rusted dilapidated trash you’ve ever seen and help restore the Clackamas back to its pristine state! We will thank you. The salmon will thank you.
The annual Down the River Clean Up is an on-the-river, 20+ mile clean up made possible by a rich network of river recreationalists, outdoor companies, environmental organizations, government entities, local community leaders, and hopefully you!
A total of 4,411 community members and volunteers have joined together each year for the past 16 years to remove over 39 tons of trash from the Clackamas River (47% of which was recycled!). Our dream is to create a community where everyone loves their rivers as much as we do and that some day, we can throw a party on the river without having to clean it up.
The Clackamas River is home to old-growth forests, bird species, steelhead, and is one of the last remaining wild salmon runs in the lower Columbia basin. While the river provides healthy habitat for wildlife, it also supplies the Portland metropolitan area with fresh drinking water. Due to the bounty, beauty, and close proximity to urban areas, the Clackamas River has become known for attracting recreationalists of all kinds, including kayakers, rafters, tubers, anglers, and more. The high-use of the river and its nearness to cities, unfortunately, brings in pollutants and unwarranted litter.
Join us in turning restoration into recreation! Visit the links to the right for detailed event information and volunteer roles.
For more ideas on things you can do to help protect the watershed year-round, please visit the Clackamas River Basin Council’s Fact Sheets.
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating auction items for the 2019 Down the River Cleanup, please contact Alix Danielsen at alix@welovecleanrivers.org.
Join us in turning restoration into recreation!
For more information about volunteer roles and event details, see information below.
Event Details & Schedule
Event Sites
- Milo McIver State Park (lower boat ramp) – 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada, OR
- Barton County Park – 19009 S Barton Park Rd, Boring, OR
- Carver Park – 14888 S Springwater Rd, Oregon City, OR
- Riverside Park – 17298 SE Water Ave, Clackamas, OR
- Clackamette Park- 1955 Clackamette Dr, Oregon City, OR
Transportation & Parking
Please note that when you register, you have the option to choose one of four parks for your volunteer role (listed below). The morning of the cleanup, you will go directly to the park you registered at for check-in.
Please make sure to arrange YOUR OWN TAKE-OUT SHUTTLE VEHICLE. We recommend carpooling as parking is limited. Parking is free at each of the parks for volunteers. Parking passes will be distributed via email the week prior to the event.
The Day's Schedule
Safety
Safety is of our utmost concern. We work hard to provide you with helpful info, safety volunteers, and professional medical response services during the day of the event – however, this information is advisory only. There is an inherent risk in boating on a river and cleaning up debris, and you assume all risks.
On-river volunteers must absolutely be a confident class II+ boater and be equipped with your own boat (seats available on boats if needed – email alix@welovecleanriver.org), paddle(s), life vest, whistle, helmet, and cellphone. Garbage scows/driftboats will be on each section of the river to help haul your collected trash out (bags will be provided for collection).
- All volunteers MUST wear a life vest on river!
- Volunteer Safety Kayak Captains will be located at each park site in the AM & will roam river to provide assistance until 3:00PM.
- American Medical Response (AMR) will be on site all day.
- In the event of an emergency, dial 911. The on-site AMR will be dispatched directly when 911 is called.
- We also recommend bringing GLOVES, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light rain jacket, a warm layer, hat, fast-drying/wicking clothes, adequate river shoes, a dry bag and a first aid kit.
Food/Drink
Please eat a hearty breakfast, bring lots of snacks, and a water bottle! An amazing BBQ will be provided for FREE for volunteers after the cleanup. See schedule above.
Lavatories
Restrooms are available at all 5 parks. We recommend that you use one before you head down the river!
Become a Sponsor
Please consider supporting this fun, educational, and community-driven effort to restore and clean our Clackamas River by becoming a sponsor of this year’s Down the River Cleanup! We have sponsor levels listed below, and are seeking item donations for our silent auction to be held at the volunteer BBQ. Thank you for your consideration!
For all inquiries, please contact Alix Danielsen by email: alix@welovecleanrivers.org. Thank you!
2019 Sponsor Levels
Clackamas Champion – $1,000
– Space for 12×12 booth at event (optional/booth must be supplied)
– Recognition at post-clean up BBQ as title sponsor; opportunity for additional day of signage
– Logo on day of event signage (4 different parks), WLCR website, event poster, and postcards
– Buzz through WLCR social media channels
Clackamas Partner – $500
– Space for 12×12 booth at event (optional/booth must be supplied)
– Logo on day of event signage (4 different parks), WLCR website, event poster, and postcards
Buzz through WLCR social media channels
* Please note: sponsorship levels are are determined by the total sum of cash and/or in-kind contributions.
BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE to non-profits and partner agencies. Please contact Alix Danielsen at alix@welovecleanrivers.org for more information.
We Love Clean Rivers, Inc. is an Oregon non-profit and has been approved for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Federal Tax Code. Some of your sponsorship may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax professional concerning deductibility of your sponsorship.
Wow – many hands make light work! Thanks to all of our amazing past sponsors, in kind supporters, and donors. We couldn’t make this event a success without you. We Love Clean Rivers and the Clackamas River Basin Council truly appreciate and thank the following organizations:
Volunteer Roles
On-Land Volunteer Positions
As a REGISTRATION VOLUNTEER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Volunteer during the morning of the event from 7:30am-10:00am — THIS IS A MUST!
- Be 16+ yrs of age; if under 16, you may help assist if accompanied by an adult
- Set up registration table area (right by boat ramp) of whichever park site you sign up for at 7:30am. There will be a Captain that will meet you there with the table, clipboards, pre-registration volunteer lists, liability waivers, pens, wristbands, large A-frames with event schedule, details, maps, parking passes, safety info, etc. etc.
- Make sure all volunteers check in, sign liability waivers, get wristband (free BBQ ticket) and bags to clean up with (detailed day-of instructions will be provided with all the gear)
- Greet all volunteers and answer any event questions they may have
- At 9:30am when all volunteers are to be checked-in and on the river, Safety Captains and AMR representatives will put-on river last; at this point, please pack up all registration gear and table and pass off to Captain
And of course, feel free to stick around and clean up on land afterwards, be a sorter assistant, or just have fun at the park and join us for the BBQ from 1:30-5pm!
Note: if you do want to do another volunteer role too, please make sure to pre-register for that position too!
As a ON-LAND VOLUNTEER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
ON-LAND VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (check-in located at registration table by boat ramp; if at McIver, go to lower boat ramp) between 8:00am-9:30am, sign your waiver, get wristband (ticket to free BBQ), trash bags, etc. and begin cleaning up trash by river banks, parking lots, and park grounds.
- Bring collected bags of trash to the dumpster before leaving park site for the day; do this by 2:30pm at the latest. If at McIver, note the dumpster is NOT located by the lower boat ramp, it’s up by maintenance area (see map).
- If you are under 18, you must have a pre-signed liability wavier (you will get link to download/print when you pre-register online)
- Be OK with walking on uneven terrain, lifting, bending, carrying 30+ lbs.
- Bring what you need to be comfortable for the day. We recommend work gloves (there will be some provided, but personal rubber/garden gloves are the best!), sunscreen, good shoes, layers, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Please read Event Details/Schedule fully before you arrive at your park site for the day
- Lastly, make sure to have fun and join us for a free volunteer BBQ 1:30-5pm at Barton Park Picnic Area #1
** Some On-Land Volunteers like to do riverside cleanup in the morning and transition over to a Sorter Assistant in the early afternoon. If you would like to do this, please register for both roles.
As a SORTER CAPTAIN you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
SORTER CAPTAINS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Volunteer during the event from 12:30-4:00pm — THIS IS A MUST!
- Set up trash sorting stations (right by large dumpster, which will be right by boat ramp) of whichever park site you sign up for. There will be a CAPTAIN that will meet you there with all the supplies
- Wear safety vest and gloves (we provide vest) at all times during shift/sorting
- Administer 10+ SORTER ASSISTANTS in signing waivers, putting on wristbands and getting gloves
- Explain to and help 10+ SORTER ASSISTANTS sort and load trash correctly into dumpster
- Follow Garbage Sorting Guidelines (listed below)
- Be comfortable picking-up & carrying 40 lbs and be OK lifting, bending, pushing, etc.
- Be over 18 years of age and read Event Details/Schedule here
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR (** = We’ll Supply):
- Work gloves!
- Closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & cell phone
- Snacks & water
- Safety vest**
- Clipboard, waivers, pens, wristbands & Trash/Recycle Sorting Guidelines and signs**
NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911
SORTING GUIDELINES:
Filling the dumpster is an activity filled with uncertainty, as you won’t know until the last raft arrives at your assigned park how much material will be collected. As you sort and load the garbage and recyclables into the dumpster please think of how it will look and where everything will be when it gets back to Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on Monday to be processed, recycled and sorted again by employees at the MRF. Also remember that stuff will shift in transport and to try and keep piles/areas relatively the same height and touching.
And, at the very end, please make sure the dumpster doors are securely closed.
SAFETY NOTE: Do NOT attempt to open plastic bottles or coolers—especially if they are bloated, foaming and/or have a tube coming out them! These items may be highly toxic. Please leave by dumpster with yellow caution tape.
DO YOUR BEST TO STACK & PILE IN 3 MAIN AREAS IN DUMPSTER:
- FRONT – All white SOLVE trash bags & other smaller trash items
- RIGHT SIDE – Blue/Yellow recycling bags & other items for recycling
- LEFT SIDE – Non-bagged items (large scrap metal & wood)
- TOP (LOADED LAST) – Tires
BAGGED GARBAGE
GARBAGE goes in WHITE SOLVE Bags
GARBAGE =
All plastics (except plastic bottles)
All clothing & random items
All broken glass*
*Broken glass can be placed in 5-gallon buckets until at the take-out, then it will need to go in white bags & into the dumpster
RECYCLING goes in YELLOW/BLUE Bags
RECYCLING =
Metal (including small scrap)
Plastic Bottles ONLY
Cardboard & Paper
Glass bottles* (NOT broken)
*Glass Bottles MUST go in their own separate BLUE BAGS filled ONLY with GLASS
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE =
Metal (large pieces)
Wood & Tires
- Lastly, securely close dumpster doors head to Barton Park Picnic Area #1 for the free BBQ from 1:30-5pm
As a SORTER ASSISTANT you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
A SORTER ASSISTANT is an individual that is a part of a group that is in charge of collecting, sorting & packing the recycables and waste that the on-river volunteers collect while going down the river. NOTE: As a SORTER ASSISTANT, you are on-land and will not be able to partake in the on-river activities. This is a great job if you aren’t sure about rafting/kayaking, but care deeply for our river/water health, decreasing waste, & recycling properly! This is a very important role. NOTE: 10-12 ASSISTANTS and 2-3 SORTER CAPTAINS are to be stationed at each park site from 12:30-3:30pm during the event. You will have 2 SORTER CAPTAINS that will meet you at your site and be your leader. They will be wearing a safety vest and be located by the large dumpster by the boat ramp.
SORTER ASSISTANTS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Meet your SORTER CAPTAINS at whichever park site you registered at 1:00pm and a sign waiver
- Wear gloves at all times while sorting trash. Gloves will be provided, HOWEVER we highly recommend bringing your own work/garden gloves!
- Follow Garbage Sorting Guidelines (listed below)
- Be comfortable picking-up and carrying 40 lbs and be OK lifting, bending, pushing, etc.
- Have a parent/guardian working with you, if under 16 years old
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- Work gloves!
- Closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cell phone
- Snacks and water
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911
MATERIAL RECOVERY & SORTING GUIDELINES:
Filling the dumpster is an activity filled with uncertainty, as you won’t know until the last raft arrives at your assigned park how much material will be collected. As you sort and load the garbage and recyclables into the dumpster please think of how it will look and where everything will be when it gets back to Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on Monday to be processed, recycled, and sorted again by employees at the MRF. Also remember that stuff will shift in transport and to try and keep piles/areas relatively the same height and touching.
And, at the very end, please make sure the dumpster doors are closed securely.
SAFETY NOTE: Do NOT attempt to open plastic bottles or coolers—especially if they are bloated, foaming and/or have a tube coming out them! These items may be highly toxic. Please leave by dumpster with yellow caution tape. Notify your SORTER CAPTAIN, if found.
DO YOUR BEST TO STACK & PILE IN 3 MAIN AREAS IN DUMPSTER:
- FRONT – All white SOLVE trash bags & other smaller trash items
- RIGHT SIDE – Blue/Yellow recycling bags & other items for recycling
- LEFT SIDE – Non-bagged items (large scrap metal & wood)
- TOP (LOADED LAST) – Tires
BAGGED GARBAGE
GARBAGE goes in WHITE SOLV Bags
GARBAGE =
All plastics (except plastic bottles)
All clothing + random items
All broken glass (needs to go in white bags & in dumpster)
RECYCLING goes in YELLOW/BLUE Bags
RECYCLING =
Metal (including small scrap)
Plastic Bottles ONLY
Cardboard & Paper
Glass bottles* (NOT broken)
*Glass Bottles MUST go in their own separate BLUE BAGS filled ONLY with GLASS
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE =
Metal (large pieces)
Wood & Tires
*Very Last: Securely close dumpster doors and head to the free volunteer thank you BBQ from 1:30-5pm at Picnic Area #1 at Barton Park!
A BBQ Helpers’ main role is to help with BBQ setup, and provide assistance to the volunteers when they are disposing of their BBQ plates/cups/leftovers so that we can make sure we adequately compost and recycle!
We will provide signs, guidelines, receptacles, bags, plastic gloves — we just need you to help out for an hour or two during the BBQ, which takes place from 1:30-5pm at Barton Park (Picnic Area #1). See map of event locations here.
If you are pre-registering for this role and another volunteer role, please make sure to sign up for both when pre-registering online.
Thank you! This is an important job during this event to help us make sure we are doing our part to dispose of waste properly — this is a river cleanup after all and we don’t want to contaminate our own recycling/compost.
Read complete event details here prior to event.
On-Water Volunteer Positions
As a SAFETY KAYAK CAPTAIN you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
SAFETY KAYAK CAPTAINS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Volunteer for the whole day of the event from 7:30am-3:00pm — THIS IS A MUST!
- Attend pre-event safety meeting the week prior to the cleanup (date, time, and location to be confirmed ASAP).
- Bring own hard shell kayak, gear (PFD, paddle, helmet, throw rope, whistle) and shuttle yourself
- Have experience kayaking with groups of whitewater boaters on class III. This river is class II+ and SHALLOW!
- Must bring a CHARGED CELL PHONE and carry with you down the river
- Be comfortable giving safety guidance/providing assistance to groups of boaters as they put on the river
- Have swift water rescue certification and/or feel comfortable administering First Aid/CPR/open water rescues
- Kayak the section of river you sign up for from 9:30am-3:00pm, checking on event boaters as you go, providing any safety assistance as needed and being a safety sweep
- There will be 1-2 SAFETY KAYAK CAPTAINS for each section of river and you will want to work together
YOUR SCHEDULE ON THE DAY OF EVENT:
7:30-10:00am:
- Be stationed at the boat ramp at whichever park site you sign up for wearing your Green Plastic Vest
- During this time, you and up to 1 other SAFETY KAYAK CAPTAIN are assisting event boaters put on the river — making sure they each have adequate paddle sport gear, PDF, gloves, bags, and wristbands and have KEY SAFETY POINTS (see below)
- When you arrive at 7:30am, make sure to check in with the BEACH CAPTAIN and REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS at the registration table (this should be located right next to boat ramp). Here you’ll want to sign your own waiver/get wristband, pick up your river section map, event schedule, key safety points, emergency numbers and First Aid kit (this must be returned at takeout to the takeout BEACH CAPTAIN)
9:30am-3:00pm:
- During this time, you are expected to be kayaking the river section you signed up for and be the eyes and ears of the on-water boaters (paddling back and forth to various groups) — making sure they are following event rules: wearing PDF at all times, are cleaning up only to high water mark, are using safe practices to clean up, and are not lagging too long (all boaters should be getting to takeout at 2-2:30pm/totally off river and headed to BBQ no later then 3:00pm)
- You and the other SAFETY KAYAK CAPTAIN of your river section are to be the sweep, making sure not to leave any volunteers behind and provide basic safety assistance that may be needed
- Bring your Cell Phone!
- IN THE EVENT OF ANY EMERGENCY – CALL 911
- American Medical Response (AMR) staff will be on site all day at each river section and providing sweep even after you
- The onsite dispatch will be on-call and will automatically be notified if 911 is called
KEY SAFETY POINTS:
1) SAFETY KAYAK CAPTAINS are not guides/instructors. They are volunteers. All boaters have responsibility for themselves. This is a Class II+ very shallow, swift moving river. KAYAK CAPTAINS will be here to provide assistance only if needed. They will be wearing Green Plastic Vests, so you can spot them.
2) Everyone on the water must wear a PFD. PFDs must be worn within 10 feet of the water. All kayakers ought to wear a helmet.
3) Every craft, raft, kayak, canoe & drift-boat should have a whistle to be used as a signaling device. ONLY use in the event of an emergency.
4) Be extra cautious when out of your boat. Carrying watercrafts over low rapids should be done with extreme caution. Foot entrapment is a major cause of accident on river.
5) If you find yourself in the water keep your nose & your toes above the surface to prevent foot entrapment.
6) Private property starts at the high water level mark. Please be respectful of private property, property owners, homeless camps, and other river users. ONLY clean river banks up to high water mark!
7) Minor scrapes, cuts & blisters can be dealt with on river. AMR (American Medical Response) will be around afterward to help administer further first aid. There will also be one kayaking AMR staff member in sit‐on‐top boats in each section (dispatched through 911). Safety Kayak Captains will have basic first aid kits on river.
8) If there is a TRUE EMERGENCY – Call 911. Do not hesitate!
9) Be aware of strainers, rocks, and obstacles. Crawl before you walk!
10) Lastly, have fun! And join back up at BBQ at Barton 1:30-5pm.
As a SCUBA DIVER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
SCUBA DIVERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp) between 7:30am-9:30am, sign your waiver, get wristband, etc.
- SCUBA at your park site where you check-in (please do not go to another park to SCUBA)
- Bring all your own SCUBA gear, wet suit, etc. and 1-2 friends (to assist with gathering collected trash from you and being safety on shore)
- Be competent and comfortable SCUBA diving in swift, cold river water
- Pre-register online; if you plan to bring other on-land buddies to help you, which we highly recommend, please indicate that when pre-registering online
- If under 18, must be accompanied by an adult at the event
- Bring what you need! This is a full day in the river. We recommend sunscreen, change of clothes, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Please read Event Details/Schedule fully before you arrive at your park site for the day
- Lastly, have fun and join back up at Barton for the free volunteer BBQ from 1:30-5pm
As a BOATER/FLOATER VOLUNTEER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
BOATER VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Bring own non-motorized paddle craft (kayak, raft, tube, drift boat); space on a boat is available – please email alix@welovecleanrivers.org if you would like to be matched with a boat!
- Be able and okay with putting collected trash onto/in your boat, or to carry a garbage collection bag along with you on your tube/kayak. Garbage Scows (larger driftboats) will be on each section to collect bags from boaters/floaters as they go. We encourage groups to work together — so feel free to invite your friends!
- Have a PFD/life vest and all necessary gear to navigate river safely. Safety whistle highly recommended; kayakers should wear helmets
- Be competent and comfortable at running class II+ (shallow) whitewater
- Be able to set your own take-out/shuttle vehicle(s) in the A.M.
- Check-in between 7:30-9:30 A.M. at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp. Note: McIver boaters go to lower boat ramp). Here you sign your waiver, get wristband (this is your free ticket to BBQ), get trash sorting guidelines, safety tips, etc.
- Must be putting-on river by 9:30 A.M.
- If you plan to bring others in your craft, or to tag along, please indicate how many when pre-registering online
- If under 18, must be accompanied by an adult
- Bring what you need! This is a full day on the river. We recommend work/garden GLOVES, sunscreen, fast drying/wicking cloths, river shoes/sandals, warm layers, raincoat, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, dry bag with supplies, and anything else you may need!
- Please read Event Details/Schedule fully before you arrive at your park site for the day
- Lastly, have a blast, be safe, and join us for the free volunteer BBQ from 1:30-5pm at Barton Park picnic area #1.
As a FREE DIVER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
FREE DIVERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp) between 8:00am-9:30am, sign your waiver, get wristband, mesh bags, etc.
- Bring all your own gear you may need, such as wet suit, booties, googles, gloves, etc.
- Consider bringing a BOATER buddy to follow along with you to throw trash into their boat. Garbage scows will also be collecting garbage on-water
- Be competent and comfortable free diver with experience diving in swift, shallow, cold river water
- Pre-register online. If plan to bring other Divers with you and/or BOATERS, which we highly recommend, please make to pre-register them as well
- If under 18, must be accompanied by an adult at the event
- Bring what you need! This is a full day in the river. We recommend sunscreen, change of clothes, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Please read Event Details/Schedule fully before you arrive at your park site for the day
- Lastly, have a blast, be safe, and join us for the free volunteer BBQ from 1:30-5pm at Barton Park picnic area #1.
As a GARBAGE SCOW you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering! Please read over the complete description below to know what your duties entail!
GARBAGE SCOWS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- First and foremost, please make sure you are able to commit to volunteer from 9:00am-4:00pm on the day of the event.
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp) between 8:00am-9:30am, sign your waiver, get wristband, mesh bags, etc.
- Provide and row an oar raft or drift boat that can be used to haul garbage to the take-out (we will provide a tarp for your boat and a 5-gallon bucket to collect broken glass)
- Coordinate transportation to and from put-in and take-out
- Bring what you need! This is a full day in the river. We recommend sunscreen, change of clothes, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Please read Event Details/Schedule fully before you arrive at your park site for the day
- Study and know your section of the river; we will send/show you maps prior to the day of the event
YOUR ROLE ON THE DAY OF EVENT
8:00-9:00am PLANT TAKE-OUT SHUTTLE / ARRIVE AT YOUR PUT-IN
Please arrive at your put-in park location (Milo McIver, Barton, Carver, or Riverside) by 9:00am on the day of the event. Parking fills quickly, so we suggest planting your take-out shuttle vehicle and getting to your put-in early. You will have two other Garbage Scows and two Safety Kayak Captains on your section of the river, so please coordinate take-out vehicles with them. Note: Please safeguard valuables; lock vehicles.
9:00-10:00am PREPARE YOUR BOAT
Volunteers for your section will be meeting at the put-in at approximately 9:00am, excited to hop on the river! Please have your boat prepared to get on the water. Connect with your Captain—go over your river stretch and the correct trash sorting guidelines.
10:00am-3:00pm ON-RIVER CLEAN UP
Receive garbage from boater and diver volunteers (see guidelines below!) and deliver to sorters at take-out dumpsters. As garbage scows, you are the sweepers. Help Safety Kayak Captains make sure all volunteers are off the river by 3:00pm. After you’ve taken you’re boat out, head to Barton Park Picnic Area #1 for the free BBQ from 1:30-5pm!
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911
GARBAGE SORTING GUIDELINES
- Everyone is to work together to safely remove & clean up the river.
- Please wear gloves at all times.
- Please use extreme caution when picking up sharp materials.
- If you don’t feel safe – don’t pick it up!
- Please be courteous of Garbage Scow’s boat, all event rafts & others’ watercrafts—these are people’s personal crafts & we want to keep them nice!
- ONLY pick-up garbage to the high water lever mark—this line marks private property.
- As Garbage Scows take on bagged items & non‐bagged items think about how the offloading will look like once you all have arrived back at shore.
- Once on-land garbage sorters are to place all garbage in an organized manner in the dumpsters for the waste hauler facilities to count, weigh & sort recyclables.
- SAFTEY NOTE: Do NOT touch or move plastic bottles if they are bloated, foaming and/or have a tube coming out them! These items may be highly toxic/combustible! Please leave near the dumpster & mark with yellow caution tape. Notify your Safety Kayak Captain.
BAGGED GARBAGE
Is to be carefully placed in the correct color bags, placed in Garbage Scow’s drift-boat & brought to take-out to go in the dumpster.
GARBAGE goes in WHITE SOLVE Bags
GARBAGE =
All plastics (except plastic bottles)
All clothing & random items
All broken glass*
*Broken glass can be placed in 5-gallon buckets until at the take-out, then it will need to go in white bags & into the dumpster.
RECYCLING goes in YELLOW or BLUE Bags
RECYCLING =
Metal (including small scrap)
Plastic Bottles ONLY
Cardboard & Paper
Glass bottles* (NOT broken)
*Glass Bottles MUST go in their own separate BLUE BAGS filled ONLY with GLASS
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE
Is to be placed in GARBAGE SCOW’s drift-boat, on the tarp, brought to the take-out, and then put into DUMPSTER with on-land garbage sorter’s help.
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE =
Metal (large pieces)
Wood & Tires