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Ohio River Sweep

Keep Covington Beautiful is proud to participate in the Ohio River Sweep, an annual shoreline cleanup initiative organized by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). This massive, multi-state effort mobilizes thousands of volunteers and enlists the support of a multitude of agencies across six states to remove tons of trash from the shoreline of the Ohio River and its tributaries. For the past nine years, KCB has been a dedicated supporter of this initiative, working hard to keep our local stretch of the river clean. 

The next Ohio River Sweep is on Saturday, May 16, 2026. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2025 Ohio River Sweep!
With your help, we removed over 3,000 pounds of trash from our shorelines! 
Where to go and what to bring.

Volunteers should arrive to that year's designated meeting spot in the morning, dressed in old clothes they do not mind getting dirty, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, as the riverbank can be muddy, uneven, and slippery. KCB will provide drinking water, and we encourage volunteers to bring a reusable water bottle and to refill often.

What we provide.

Through a generous partnership with the City of Covington's Solid Waste and Recycling Division, KCB is able to provide trash bags, litter grabbers, and work gloves for all volunteers. And thanks to our partnership with ORSANCO, all volunteers will receive a free t-shirt!

The work itself.

Expect to walk along the riverbank and on uneven ground, picking up litter and debris. Be prepared to be surprised, as you never know what you'll find - most volunteers will spend their morning collecting items like bottles, styrofoam, and plastic bags, but it is not unusual to come across bulk items such as shopping carts, furniture, and tires, or dangerous paraphernalia. KCB conducts a safety talk before the cleanup, and will aid volunteers in disposing of these items. 

Safety first.

Volunteers should be prepared for muddy or potentially hazardous conditions. A waiver is required. You will be working with others, and supervised by the KCB team, who can answer any questions and provide support.

What happens after.

Once the cleanup is complete, the KCB team will manage the collected trash, ensuring it is properly disposed of. Volunteers will be invited to a local business, for a free lunch as thanks for their hard work!

What to expect on cleanup day

A new approach to an annual tradition

While the Ohio River Sweep was once a single-day event, it has evolved into a "sweep season" that runs from May to October. This flexible schedule allows partners to monitor river conditions and conduct cleanups when they are most beneficial. KCB holds its annual Ohio River Sweep on the third Saturday in May.​​​​

Ohio River Sweep is a partnership with 

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