For those looking to get their hands dirty for a good cause, Durham's Annual Big Sweep is back this October. The citywide event calls on volunteers to tidy up neighborhoods, parks, creeks, and more, in a collective effort to rid the community of litter and pollutants that affect the environment. Organized by Keep Durham Beautiful, the City of Durham Public Works Department Stormwater Division, and the Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District, this community initiative is now open for registration online.
Individuals and groups are invited to participate, whether by joining an existing cleanup event, or by coordinating their own throughout the month. Since its inception in 2005, more than 8,000 volunteers have stepped up to remove approximately 230,000 pounds of unsightly trash from vital areas. In a statement obtained by the City of Durham website, Laura Smith, senior communications analyst in the City’s Public Works Department, underscored the impact of Big Sweep, "Big Sweep helps us keep downstream waterways clear of litter that can harm wildlife and break down into microplastics that are bad for our health," she said. She further highlighted the heroic nature of these community efforts in preserving clean water.
The cleanup is a well-coordinated event thanks to the partnership between various city and county departments. Supplies including bags, gloves, litter grabbers, and vests are provided by Keep Durham Beautiful and its partners to ensure volunteers are well-equipped. Meanwhile, the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Services Department and the Durham County General Services Department take charge of ensuring that all collected litter is properly recycled, or sent to the landfill, furthering the event's sustainability goals.
Last year, a record-breaking 797 volunteers contributed to the Big Sweep, making it Durham's largest litter cleanup to date, according to Keep Durham Beautiful. This year, as in those past, the collaboration and hard work of residents will not only beautify the town but also safeguard its surrounding ecosystems. To get involved and find more information about the initiative, interested parties are encouraged to visit City of Durham Big Sweep's website. The site also offers resources for those looking to lead a group cleanup or seeking advice on selecting a location to clean.
The importance of events like the Big Sweep extends beyond just the observable cleanup. It's a civic engagement that fosters community pride and environmental stewardship. To learn more about the organizing entities and their continuous efforts to protect Durham’s environment, follow Keep Durham Beautiful, the City of Durham Public Works Department Stormwater Division, and the Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District on their Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
