The Clean Sweep is an annual volunteer event focused on removing trash and restoring the health of the Great Miami River. This river cleanup is about much more than picking up trash. It’s a day for communities to demonstrate their desire for clean water and healthy rivers. It’s an opportunity to learn about our river, and it’s a time to come together with your families, your neighbors, your community, and your friends to accomplish something vital and worthy on behalf of our Great Miami River.
Local organizers are looking for volunteers to help on Friday, July 15 from 8:00 a.m. to approximately noon. Registered volunteers will meet at the Custenborder shelter (449 Riverside Drive) rain or shine. The event is only cancelled due to lightning or high water.
Canoe spots are limited, but walkers are welcome. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt, as well as a continental breakfast and lunch. Gloves are also provided for volunteers. Interested in volunteering? Complete and return the registration form by June 24, 2022.
The City of Sidney became involved with the Clean Sweep in 2004. The city is required by its Ohio EPA General Stormwater Permit to coordinate a minimum of five public involvement activities during the five-year permit term. Organizing the local section of the Clean Sweep of the Great Miami River meets this requirement.
In the last 15 years the group has removed over 600,000 pounds of debris and approximately 8,000 tires from the Great Miami River. The local section in Shelby County averages about 3,000 pounds of trash each year.