An abandoned tire and rim, a discarded landscaping machete, and dozens and dozens of empty beverage cans. These items were among the 140 pounds of litter collected from roadsides and parks around town as part of a springtime litter sweep organized by the Town of Holly Springs in celebration of Creek Week. The annual week focuses on the importance of clean and healthy waterways.
“Picking up litter on the side of the road prevents it from reaching our streams and lakes,” said Holly Springs Environmental Technician Zachary Pitts. “Litter cleanup can make a real difference, and it’s something we’d like to see continue throughout the year.”
In order to make that happen, the Town of Holly Springs is making it easy for residents and organizations to create their own cleanup events by offering everything a small group would need to collect litter. Town of Holly Springs litter kits include vests, gloves and bags, and litter grabbers. Just email stormwater@hollyspringsnc.gov with the number of people in the group and the date of the cleanup. Holly Springs Stormwater Management Program staff will be in touch to coordinate a time to collect the kit and to return used vests and litter grabbers after the event.
“We are hoping that by making litter kits available to our residents, we remove any obstacles that could stand in the way of their group making a difference,” said Pitts. “If a couple dozen people could collect 140 pounds of litter during a few hours, just imagine how much debris could be collected if our community participated when it was convenient for them.”
Kits should be reserved a couple of weeks in advance of the cleanup date. The Town can supply up to 40 grabbers at a time. Participants are responsible for disposing of the litter they collect.
“Everybody plays a role in keeping our water clean,” said Pitts.
