PREBLE COUNTY — Preble County Solid Waste District is planning Trash Bash 2020 to help clean county roads.
The Preble County Community Roadside Clean-up Days (also known as Trash Bash 2020) are scheduled for April 4-5. It is a two-day event hosted by the Preble County Solid Waste District which will take place rain or shine. The collection is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, following a 30-45 minute mandatory safety training for volunteers to be held at the Horse Barn at the Preble County Fairgrounds.
According to Solid Waste District Director Beth Wright, the idea for Trash Bash 2020 came from Darke County’s Trash Bash. Numerous individuals saw the need to have a clean up event in Preble County, especially on U.S. 127 where there is a lot of blowing litter.
During the mandatory training, each volunteer will receive a special goodie bag with information inside. Each group will be given black bags for trash and clear bags for recyclables. Volunteers clean assigned two mile stretches of roads then they leave the bags to be picked up from predetermined collection points by workers from the Preble County Engineer’s office the following Monday.
Solid Waste District is seeking volunteers to commit to this new event. While this is the first year it has been held, Wright knows that any help they receive will go a long way.
“People see a problem and they don’t know what to do about it specifically sometimes, because it can seem overwhelming at first. Every little bit counts and this is a way for us to make an impact,” she said. “Once this program gets established and we can do it in future years, we’re looking to make an impact by people seeing how much their little bit counts.”
All volunteers wishing to participate in the roadside clean-up effort must receive a registration packet and then they will be required to submit a registration form and a release of liability which will be returned to the district office no later than March 2. Call the Solid Waste District at 937-456-6880 to request a packet be sent to your group’s representative or stop by the office located at 4239 U.S. 127 South in Eaton to pick one up.
The district is looking for numerous groups of up to six people (including the driver) to “pound the pavement” at their assigned two mile locations picking up bags of trash and recyclables. Clean-up groups can be started with friends from school, work, church, and volunteer organizations or clubs. Students who are performing community service to enhance their resumes will receive a special certificate verifying their community service hours.
Businesses can also contribute by making in-kind donations of bottled water and trash bags. The SWD is also accepting donations of gift cards, to host a raffle drawing. Call the district at 937-456-6880 to offer in-kind support.
