ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Solid Waste Department will combine its efforts with the N.C. Department of Transportation to clean up the county.
Earlier this month, the DOT announced that it was looking for volunteers for the Fall Litter Sweep Sept. 11-25.
On Friday, Asst. Public Works Director Bryan Leggett said the county would commit its efforts the week of Sept. 11-18 to “improve efficiency.”
“We are asking for all volunteers from local businesses, schools, non-profits, churches, municipalities, and community groups to help Richmond County be a better place to live,” Leggett said in a press release.
He added that volunteers would be provided with clean-up supplies such as trash bags, gloves and safety vests.
All volunteers are also encouraged to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, including wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart. Also, anyone recently diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19 leading up to the event should refrain from participating.
Last month, county workers picked up 174 bags from 16 roads, resulting in 2.14 tons of garbage, according to the solid waste report.
The countywide Earth Day effort, led by Leggett and Aging Services Director Jacqueline Welch, saw 39 volunteer groups collect 404 bags of trash weighing 6,449 pounds.
The event was originally slated for April 24 but was pushed back to May 1 due to weather.
According to the April Solid Waste Report, 3.7 tons of litter were picked up ahead of the event and 3.5 tons were collected in May.
By mid-July, NCDOT officials said more than 8 million pounds of roadside trash had been cleaned up across the state this year.
For supplies and a sign-up sheet for the upcoming cleanup, call 910-997-8215 or 910-997-8338.
CORRECTION: Dates have been corrected. 6:53 p.m. 8-20-21
