What is Garbage?

[About Us] [History of the Clean-up] [Safefy First!] [Overview] [What is Garbage?] [Adopt-a-Stream Program] [Sponsors] [Clean-up 2006]

Garbage is: trash left by humans that should be removed. Natural materials such as rocks, dead trees, logs and stumps usually provide homes and shelter for a variety of creatures. Therefore, try not to disturb their habitat. Overtime, some human disposed garbage has become habitat -- even though it will take many years to fully decompose. Consult with your group leader before removing it.

What else should not be removed? -- Do not try to remove large items or items that may be severely imbedded in the river or stream bed or along the banks. Just make a note of where it is located and we will try to remove the item another time.

Other important tips:

• Do not place too much garbage in one trash bag, as it may break or be too heavy to carry. Remember that wet items are considerably heavier than dry items.
• Leave your filled trash bags by the park trails or other accessible locations to be picked up.
• If you cannot carry a filled trash bag up the bank of the river, leave it by the river in a visible location so that a boat team easily identify it and pick it up.
• If you get the chance, look around your part of the river or stream and observer what wildlife pr humans use this habitat. Locate possible sources of pollution and litter; report them to your group leader.
  

MOST UNIQUE TRASH PRIZE:
If you see an item of trash that it strikes you as being unique, set it aside and show your group leader. When you get back to the follow-up Barbeque, enter it in the contest for a prize.

For more information on the Red Deer River Clean-Up, the committee, or the Red Deer Adopt-A-Stream Program, contact Gordon Ludtke with EXH Engineering Services Ltd. at (403) 342-7650 or email gordon.ludtke@uma.aecom.