What is the Clean-Up-A-Thon?

The Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon is our annual clean-up event that has been raising watershed-wide awareness about the impacts of our consumption habits and bringing people together at the river and local creeks! Clean-ups are a popular way to take action for the natural spaces we love the most, and what an amazing way to show off your love for the river than to start right in your community. The 35th Annual Clean-Up-A-Thon took place on March 21, 2026 this year, and we had over 418 volunteers who retrieved 306 bags of trash and 31 tires from streams and creeks in the Haw River Watershed.

Sign up now!

The 37th Annual Clean-Up-A-Thon will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2027! Team registration will open after the new year. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact us at events@hawriver.org.

Other frequently asked questions:

How does the Clean-Up-A-Thon work?

Haw River Assembly helps participating teams identify littered locations, provides clean-up supplies, arranges trash pick-up when needed, and offers guidance to ensure a successful clean-up.

Each team must have a designated team leader who communicates with team members and leads efforts during the clean-up event. Teams can be any size—from just two or three people to larger groups.

Can I participate if I don’t have a team?

Absolutely! Email events@hawriver.org to be matched with a team or a trash trap opportunity near you. Teams will continue signing up through February, with most locations finalized by early March. Once locations are set, interested participants will receive details for sites near them.

Do you have resources or videos to help?

Yes, checkout this video for a clean-up-a-thon overview and general clean-up tips.