Trash Sorting Challenge at Nash Run Trash Trap

Note: This event is weather dependent. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, etc.), please do not come to the event and consider joining us another time.

Date: Saturday, September 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meeting Location: Anacostia Ave NE and Douglas St NE (intersection), Washington DC, 20019 (Map)

• This site is about an 8-minute walk from the Deanwood Metro Station on the Orange Line

Event Description:  Since its inception in 1989, AWS staff and volunteers have removed tons of trash from the Anacostia River each year. Our Nash Run Trash Trap cleanups have been a huge success in helping us to make progress towards our goal for a trash free Anacostia River.  This trash trap catches trash before it ends up in the River!  But our staff can’t manage this trap alone. Volunteers are critical to our plan to collect trash and monitor this trash trap.

At the event we will sort trash that has been removed from this trap into 27 categories. We will count the pieces of trash and measure the weight and volume for each category.

The data collected from our trash traps has helped to pass the (grocery) bag fee law in DC and brought a ripple effect into Montgomery County; and it has helped to ban the use of Styrofoam food packaging, etc. in DC, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County. We still need to work on trash items such as beverage bottles, cans, and food wrappers, which is why we need your help! The data you help us collect will be used to educate the public and advocate for a better practice, such as the Bottle Deposit Bill.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the trash challenges of the Anacostia and what is being done to address them!

Physical Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Physical Requirements: The task requires squatting down for a relatively long time, and may be physically demanding.  It is not suitable for young children. Participants will be expected to wear closed-toed shoes for the duration of the event. If you think any of the physical requirements will be problematic, please let us know or consider joining another event.

Registration is required. Please register at least 2 days prior to the event date to receive additional information about the event. 

For more information before the event, contact Emily Castelli at [email protected] or call 301-699-6204 x103.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER