Ohio River Sweep
ORSANCO’s Ohio River Sweep is an annual volunteer cleanup spanning the entire 981-mile length of the Ohio River. Each year, thousands of volunteers from six bordering states—and sites throughout the Ohio River Basin—come together to remove litter from the river’s banks and many of its tributaries.
Since 1989, this award-winning cleanup has been organized by ORSANCO, the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE), and the environmental protection agencies of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Over the decades, volunteers have made remarkable progress toward restoring and protecting the Ohio River’s natural beauty and health.
While significant strides have been made, litter remains a global environmental challenge. By participating in the Ohio River Sweep, each volunteer plays a vital role in helping protect drinking water, vibrant river ecosystems, and the scenic river towns and recreational treasures that define life along the Ohio River.
Ohio River Sweep Season
Although it used to be a one day event, Ohio River Sweep has now changed to a full season. Our goal is to support clean up events from March through October to remove the greatest amount of litter possible, thus having a larger collective impact than a one day event could previously offer. Participants choose the date and location of their cleanup and the Ohio River Sweep provides support and supplies to hold the event. If you are interested in organizing a River Sweep cleanup, view How to Volunteer.
Join the Cause
While our award-winning program continues to experience success, we need your support in expanding our efforts and reach throughout the Ohio River watershed! Your contribution will provide volunteer supplies and promotional materials that make this event successful. *Donations will be recognized in the following ways:
Sponsorship Levels & Recognition
All Donation Levels
- Recognition on the Ohio River Sweep sponsor webpage
- Recognition in our quarterly electronic newsletter with over 5,000 subscribers
$5,000 or More
Includes all of the above, plus:
- Additional event planning support (if needed)
- Special recognition on our social media platforms
- Logo recognition on our event t-shirt
$10,000 or More
Includes all of the above, plus:
- Recognition on all promotional materials and press releases
$25,000 or More
Includes all of the above, plus:
- ORSANCO staff attendance at your Ohio River Sweep event location and/or tailored sponsor recognition opportunities at ORSANCO events
(Revised October 2025)
Our volunteers and sponsors are the heart of the Ohio River Sweep, powering this annual effort to restore and protect one of our region’s most vital resources. We deeply appreciate your partnership and commitment to stewardship and water quality protection. Together, we’re safeguarding drinking water, thriving ecosystems, and the beauty of river towns and recreation along the Ohio River for generations to come.
The Ohio River Sweep is a collaboration between ORSANCO and its Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE). FORE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the supporting foundation for ORSANCO’s public education and watershed-stewardship initiatives throughout the Ohio River Basin. All funds raised for the program are managed by FORE, and any remaining funds support additional programs that protect water quality and our shared waterways.