Local volunteers prepare to give beaches and rivers a cleaner look

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – On the third Saturday day of September, Beach Sweep/River Sweep takes over the state.

This marks 35 years since the mass cleanup effort began. According to the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, it is the “largest one-day volunteer waterway cleanup event.” Typically, local schools and groups participate but organizers say they sometimes get individuals or even people from out of state.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids to get out in kayaks and help the environment – pick up trash,” Elizabeth Anderegg, Shem Creek site coordinator, said. “We really try to encourage them to do that.”

In 2023, the state recorded over 50,000 items were collected across the state. The organizers have noticed some trends of whether they see more or less trash per year. Stacey Streetman-Johnson, Isle of Palms site coordinator, estimated that she usually gets 50 pounds at the end of the day. However, Anderegg has a different much different number dealing with the creek.

“Easily, a couple of hundred pounds and if they pull in a tire – if they pull in something really big that could change, Anderegg said. “Had a stop sign one time. It can vary.”

In the past week, king tides have rolled in as well which may impact the numbers. On beaches, they decrease how much sand is on shore and sometimes push litter farther out. While in the rivers, kayakers can paddle farther down and up the stream.

Anderegg added that she has gotten some funny and strange items over the years such as a bicycle, a bowling ball, and dolls.

Some site organizers are still looking for more volunteers for Saturday at some locations while others are fully booked out.

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