Richland County Government staff is partnering with the Gills Creek Watershed Association to hold a litter sweep along Jackson Creek in Northeast Richland.
The cleanup is part of efforts by a task force of County staff to conduct public outreach on a possible ordinance that would phase out single-use carryout bags. If implemented, the ordinance would aim to encourage the use of reusable bags and reduce plastic litter in area waterways and along roadways, among other benefits.
County residents are invited to participate in the cleanup, which will include County staff.
Volunteers should meet at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the former Red Lobster location at 2601 Decker Blvd., Columbia, across the street from Chick-fil-A. Participants should bring heavy gardening gloves and wear sturdy shoes or boots. The cleanup will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Litter-free Digital Journal app, created by the South Carolina Aquarium, will be used to collect data on types of trash recovered during the event.
The litter sweep is associated with the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup, a national community improvement initiative.
In the event of heavy rain, the litter sweep will be rescheduled. Notice of the cancellation can be found at gillscreekwatershed.org/news-events/.