Trash Removal
Trash in our rivers, lakes, and oceans has become a major environmental problem. In fact, most of it comes from sources on land. With every heavy rain, storm water washes litter from streets, parking lots, and parks into local streams.
River Trash Cleanup Starts at the Source
Protecting small tributaries means a safer, cleaner river for wildlife, paddlers, and downstream communities. That’s why UERA combines in-stream trash traps with volunteer cleanups. Together, they keep thousands of pounds of plastic and trash out of local ecosystems.
Trash Weirs & Traps
To protect our watershed, the Upper Etowah River Alliance installs trash weirs and floating traps in local creeks and tributaries.
These lightweight traps use floating booms to steer debris into a containment area before it reaches the main river. Afterward, municipal partners and conservation teams clear the traps after major storms. By catching floating trash high in the watershed, we stop it before it spreads downstream.
Community Involvement
Our waterways give us drinking water, places to canoe and fish, and a break from busy daily life. Join us in protecting them by volunteering to help clean our rivers, streams, creeks, and lakes.
Each year, the Upper Etowah River Alliance organizes several cleanups in creeks, streams, and parks across Cherokee, Dawson, and Pickens counties. These cleanups would not be possible without our members, partner organizations, and volunteers. At our last Etowah River Cleanup, 38 volunteers picked up 200 bags of trash, plus illegally dumped tires and even a couch!
Upcoming Events
Help us clear trash from the Little River, one of the Etowah's tributaries. No experience is needed, and volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Join us to clean up the Etowah River and the land around it! Every fall, volunteers across Georgia head to their local rivers for Rivers Alive.
A great clean up activity with the kids to teach them how to make our community better. The awesome volunteers offered invaluable help and guided us on the areas to start!
Previous Trash Clean Up Events
