More than 6 tons of trash were collected from the Salt River by a group of volunteers this weekend as a part of the Rio Re-imagined initiative.
Rio Re-imagined is a revitalization initiative through Arizona State University City Exchange, a project that supports the economic health of communities.
The initiative seeks to revitalize the 55-mile river and Gila River Corridors, and make it accessible to residents and those surrounding it.
Every year, volunteers gather near 91st to 95th avenue to collect trash from the Salt River. This year, it only took about 100 people and an hour and a half to collect six tons of trash.
Cecilia Riviere, director of the Arizona State University City Exchange, says everything from small cans to large mirrors was collected during the annual cleanup.
“We pulled out both small pieces of litter that are left by people who recreate along with very large pieces that have just been transported from further upstream,” said Riviere.
Riviere notes that some people aren’t getting the message and still polluting the river. She encourages visitors to go and enjoy the wildlife, but “leave no trace.”
““We want people to come to the river. One of the major priorities for Rio re-imagined is for people to recognize that there is a river there,” said Riviere. “Bring your families, enjoy the wildlife, the peacefulness, and then walk out with everything you brought in.”
