River Relief

October 1, 2020

MRR Trash Mobs

We know you are itchin' to get outside, get muddy and make a difference. While we may not be able to have large-scale clean-ups we can still make a difference...Trash Mob style! What is a trash mob you ask?! Trash mobs are sort of like flash mobs, they just sort of appear! So grab a bag and some gloves, and head outside by yourself or the folks that you've been cooped up with and clean up the litter along your favorite creek or even just in your neighborhood.

In Columbia, MO there are 15 creeks alone that all lead to the Missouri River. Imagine the impact if we all got out, individually, and picked up a little bit of litter all up and down the Missouri River watershed! 

A huge haul picked up by Corinne and her mom just around the neighborhood. 

We are here to support your clean-up efforts by providing trash bags, gloves, advice and suggestions but we need a couple of things from you too:

• Make sure to take pictures of your accomplishments so we can share them with the world. Take a picture of your haul or ephemeral art piece inspired by the trash and post it on social media with the hashtags #riverrelief #trashmob #keepitclean or email them to americorps@riverrelief.org

• Reporting your litter clean-up efforts is essential. Reporting these numbers highlights your efforts and ensures funding for the Missouri Stream Team program. Please fill out the details of your trash mob here: bit.ly/trashmob-report. If you need help figuring out what watershed you are in, check out the resources below.

Supplies

Sometimes a couple of kitchen trash bags will do the trick, sometimes you need something a bit more heavy-duty! Send an email to riverrelief@riverrelief.org and let us know the following:

• What area are you planning to clean-up and do you expect any tires or large overly large objects?

• What kind of supplies do you need? How many trash bags? How many pairs of gloves?

• If you would like us to mail you supplies, please include a shipping address

Disposal Resources 

Getting rid of the trash you collected can sometimes be a challenge. The methods and how we are able to help vary greatly by location. Determine how trash will be disposed of before heading out. Tires are a beast in and of itself and should not go directly in a trash bin. Depending on where you live we may be able to help you out - contact us at riverrelief@riverrelief.org to talk about what's possible.

Here are a couple of other suggestions:

• If you have just a couple bags and are willing and able, securely tie the bags and leave it out on the curb for your regularly scheduled trash pickup - Contacting your local disposal service and giving them a heads up is always the safest bet.

• Contact solid waste officials in your area to discuss your options. Ask if they would be willing to donate their services

• Arrange to get the trash to your disposal site. If there are no waste haulers available, you will need to transport trash to a disposal site. 

• Reach out to businesses along your clean-up route or nearby creek. A lot of times businesses are happy to help out by allowing you to throw away a couple bags of collected trash. Remember to be respectful and not overfill their bin.

• If you are cleaning up in the Columbia area, drop us a line at riverrelief@riverrelief.org and we would be happy to help you out.

• Report any hazardous materials to be dealt with to the Department of Natural Resources. Flag the site and mark it with GPS coordinates. Car batteries, jugs of oil or pesticides can be dangerous and should be disposed of separately.

Know Your Watershed

Knowing your watershed is important not only for reporting your trash numbers, but for knowing what creeks and subsequent waterways will be impacted by negative activities upstream and upland. Actions on land often impact the quality of water. Here are some interactive maps depending on where you live that can help you determine your watershed. These maps are best viewed on a desktop. 

Columbia, MO/Boone County

• PDF Map

• Interactive Map

Greater Kansas City Region

• Interactive Map - You may need to go to "content" and select which map layers you want

• Mid-America Regional Council Interactive Map - Flash player required

St. Louis Metro Area

• Interactive Map

Safety Tips 

• Have the proper attire.  Wear gloves at all times, a lifejacket if near or on the water, and boots and pants.
  
  
• Stay aware of the members of your group. You must provide your own safety net out there.

• If you are working along a road, make sure to wear highly visible and reflective gear 

• Pick a spot near your drop off point for a rally point. Bring the bagged trash there and center it next to heavy objects.

• Don’t try to move extremely heavy or hazardous material. Roll tires, appliances and barrels to remove mud before attempting to transport. Team up on heavy things.  Report any hazardous materials to be dealt with to the Department of Natural Resources. Flag the site and mark it with GPS coordinates. Car batteries, jugs of oil or pesticides can be dangerous and should be disposed of separately.

• Watch for Poison Ivy, Stinging Nettles and other hurtful plants.

• Leave all wildlife alone. They are in their place and you are their guest.

• Drink more water. Then drink more water. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. 

• If someone is injured, follow first aid practices. Keep the injured person calm and seek medical assistance. Apply a compress to limit bleeding if necessary. Make sure to carry a first-aid kit.

Additional Resources

The folks over at Missouri Stream Team have some great clean-up resources that can be adapted to a small trash mob clean-up.

• Tire Disposal Guidelines

• Litter Pickup Stream Style
  
  
• Volunteering in the Age of COVID-19

Thank you to Missouri Stream Team for helping us with supplies and providing the resources necessary to help out our trash mobbers!