Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission ORSANCO

Ohio River Sweep – event host resources

Event Host Resources

Thank you for signing up to host an ORSANCO Ohio River Sweep event and for being a part of our 2026 litter cleanup crew! 

Because of site leaders like you, the 2025 season was our most successful in five years. From March through October, more than 5,000 volunteers participated in 133 cleanup events, removing 196.21 tons of trash and 12,441 pounds of recyclables—more than double the previous year’s total. That impact is only possible because local leaders step up to organize and inspire their communities.

IMPORTANT: Please read the info below, as you’ll find important information and resources to help you start planning your event. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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Event Planning Resources 

Please take some time to review the Ohio River Sweep informational toolkit. It includes everything you need to organize a successful cleanup:

  • How to Plan Your Ohio River Sweep Event and Litter Cleanup Site Selection
  • Regional coordinator contact info and local trash disposal and recycling guidance
  • How to handle hazardous materials and drug paraphernalia
  • Tips for group leaders
  • Volunteer resources and waiver
  • Promotional resources like an event flyer template, press release template, digital graphics, and suggested social media posts
  • Inclement weather statement and contingency planning
  • Post Event Survey and Trash Calculator
  • Access the full toolkit here at: https://www.orsanco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ohio-River-Sweep-Toolkit-2026-Updated.pdf

Promoting Your Event and Recruiting Volunteers

We encourage you to use the flyer, press release templates, and other promotional items included in our Promotional Resources toolkit folder. We depend on cleanup hosts to document your cleanup and share photos of your success.  Your outreach helps elevate awareness and reinforces our collective effort taking place across the Basin. When posting, please tag your community partners and The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission @ORSANCO on Facebook and @orsancochannel on Instagram. Feel free to use the following hashtags: #OhioRiverSweep #KeepitClean #Trashtag #LitterFree #OhioRiver

Post-Event Reporting

Submitting our Post Cleanup Questionnaire within 2 weeks after completing your clean-up is essential. Cleanups that are not reported cannot be included in the official Ohio River Sweep program totals and promoted throughout our basinwide reach. Your follow-through ensures your community’s work is recognized and supported.

Your reported totals for number of volunteers, pounds of trash collected, recyclables recovered, and site details are critical to:

    • Measuring basin-wide impact
    • Reporting program success
    • Securing grant funding
    • Maintaining sponsor support
    • Continuing to provide supplies at no cost to hosts

Become a Sponsor or Help Recruit Program Sponsorship 

While our award-winning program continues to experience success, we need additional regional partners who believe in protecting our shared waterway and helping expand our efforts throughout the Ohio River Basin! Your contribution will provide the necessary staff coordination, volunteer supplies, and promotional materials to make this basinwide effort successful. As a basinwide initiative spanning eight states, Ohio River Sweep depends on collective investment from businesses, foundations, and community leaders who recognize that clean water strengthens public health, recreation, economic vitality, and regional pride. If you are unable to sponsor directly, we encourage you to help us recruit program sponsors within your network. Learn more about sponsorship here. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Bethany Miller
Communication and Outreach Coordinator
Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO)
Send Message
Phone: 513-231-7719 Ext. 101

Thank you again for your leadership and efforts in hosting an ORSANCO Ohio River Sweep event. Together, we are mobilizing communities to keep the Ohio River and our shared waterways of the Basin clean, safe, and accessible!