Local Heroes: Pasco Volunteers Collect 40,000 Pounds Of Trash

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Small teams made for mighty results during this year’s socially distanced version of the annual International Coastal Cleanup presented by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative.

Volunteers worked throughout Pasco County to pick up nearly 40,000 pounds of trash and litter along roadways, public spaces and waterways during the Sept. 19 event.

By the numbers:

• 19.52 tons of trash and litter
• 36 locations throughout Pasco County
• 922 volunteers
• 3,248 volunteer hours logged

“We always strive for a year-over-year increase, but not all success is best measured in numbers,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King. “Even during the pandemic, we had a volunteer turnout that we are extremely grateful for, and we’re consistently welcoming a younger generation who cares about the environment and will ultimately create lasting behavior change.”

Pasco County’s Department of Public Works plays an integral role in assisting with trash pickup from the cleanup. The department also manages the Adopt-A-Road program for volunteers who are interested in additional efforts.

For more information about the Adopt-A-Road program and Keep Pasco Beautiful, click here.

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