Hundreds of volunteers are expected to participate in the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful cleanup event on Saturday, September 19, at various locations throughout Pasco County. The initiative aims to remove litter and debris before it enters stormwater systems and reaches rivers, lakes, and open water. Kristen King, President of Keep Pasco Beautiful, highlighted examples of litter found near Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday, including full Capri-Sun pouches and plastic bags that could easily blow into the water. She emphasized that about 80% of trash in waterways originates on land, making cleanup efforts crucial for protecting local ecosystems. The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, with last year’s effort involving 1,170 volunteers who collected over 51,000 pounds of trash. While cigarette butts remain common, volunteers are also encountering discarded vape pens containing lithium-ion batteries that require special handling to prevent fire hazards. King hopes the cleanup will inspire younger generations to take responsibility for their communities by teaching them that litter does not magically disappear.
Key Points:
- Hundreds of volunteers are expected to take part in the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19, at locations throughout Pasco County.
- About 80% of the trash found in waterways originates on land, making litter removal along roads, parks and other public spaces an important part of protecting local waterways.
- Last year, 1,170 volunteers worked at 52 locations throughout Pasco County and collected 51,320 pounds of trash during the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.
