Waterway Cleanups

KWA CLEANUP TOOKIT

Waterway cleanups emphasize the connection of one community or neighborhood to another via water, promote healthier environments, and allow for the development of strong relationships through community-based collaboration. Eliminating the waste can lead to cleaner water and reduce threats to wildlife habitat, people, and communities that rely on these water resources for drinking, recreation, and ecosystem services. Conducting cleanups has allowed KWA the opportunity to connect with and communicate our mission with a wide variety of community members across Kentucky. ​

Organize Your Own Cleanup

Cleanup Toolkit
To help plan your own cleanup event, check out our newly expanded and comprehensive 2024 Cleanup Toolkit. This will help you organize your event.  KWA staff are also available as resource if you have questions. 

Why are Waterway Cleanups Important?
Cleaning a waterway not only enhances the natural aesthetic value of the area, but also mitigates the effects of trash contaminating the water and impacts on local communities such as:

• Harm to habitats and wildlife: Trash can smother aquatic vegetation and be mistaken for food, which can lead to death by suffocation, infection, or starvation.
• Pollution of water quality and health risk to humans: Trash can carry pathogens and toxins (microplastics) that can threaten human health and development.
• Community degradation and economic loss: Trash can degrade quality of life in coastal and all communities and impact fishing and maritime industries.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: plastic production and disposal are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and can contribute to environmental degradation over time.