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The Trash Bowl returned for its third annual run this September, with more participation than ever before. A total of eight Rutherford County high schools participated in the Keep Rutherford County Beautiful competition to see who could pick up the most litter. The goal is to remove litter from public spaces, including roadsides, parking lots, public parks, trails and campuses, while encouraging the next generation of environmental stewards.
In 2021, over 6,000 pounds of litter was collected. This year, the Trash Bowl participants removed 18,370 pounds of litter from public outdoor spaces between September 16-October 2 which corresponded with the state's Fall Litter Sweep. Groups of Rutherford County citizens were also encouraged to join in, collect litter and bring it to the school of their choice.
"It is a great opportunity to get out and clean up the litter that unfortunately is thrown out by careless people," says George Moyer, Keep Rutherford County Beautiful litter committee member. "Litter along our roads is so unsightly, and when high schoolers volunteer to clean up it is great."
The level of school and student participation in this year's Trash Bowl rose significantly and gives hope for a cleaner environment for Rutherford County. The participating high schools were Chase High School, East Rutherford High School, Lake Lure Classical Academy, The Master's Academy, R-S Central High School, The Rutherford Opportunity Center, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, and Trinity Christian School. "The future culture of our county is changing," says Brian Leber, Town of Spindale employee and Keep Rutherford County Beautiful Litter Committee member. "The youth I spoke with genuinely expressed a contemptuous attitude toward the present sight along our scenic byways."
Impressively, six of competing schools beat last year's winning total of 1,880 pounds. In first place, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, first year Trash Bowl champions, took back their title with a whopping total of 6,090 pounds. In second place, R-S Central High School collected 2,660 pounds. In third place, Chase High School's litter weighed in at 2,340 pounds.
Trinity Christian School collected 2,000 pounds. The Master's Academy gathered 1,920 pounds. East Rutherford High School's litter pickups weighed in at 1,860 pounds. Lake Lure Classical Academy picked up 1,500 pounds of litter.
The Trash Bowl competition would not have been possible without all of the volunteers, organizations and businesses who offered their time and efforts. Keep Rutherford County Beautiful spearheaded organizational efforts and provided supply kits. They brought their spirited mascots, Roxi and Rocki the Raccoons, to the participating high schools along with volunteers to educate students and encourage Trash Bowl participation. Republic Services generously donated 16 litter collection dumpsters. In addition, they took the time and effort to drive to each school individually to place the dumpsters, returning to weigh them intermittently and eventually remove them. Rutherford County Solid Waste Department went on site periodically to remove and weigh large items to add to the final count. The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Rutherford County Board of Elections donated supplies. It was truly a community effort that made the Trash Bowl possible.
Participants found many heavy items such as tires, furniture, and even a generator in their litter pick ups. These large items were placed next to the litter dumpsters, and periodically weighed and removed by Rutherford County Solid Waste Department. Proper disposal of these large items would not have been possible without them. "I couldn't believe the participation from the students. It was very encouraging to see all these young people putting effort towards cleaning up our public spaces," says Eddie Mote of the Rutherford County Solid Waste Department. This year there was a big increase in the larger items found. "We even had to pull Steven Cooper out from another department to come and help us," says Eddie.
Each year the trophy is housed by the winning school, with their name and weight total added to a plaque on the base. The trophy was presented to Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy by Keep Rutherford County Beautiful, with committee speakers Jenna Bailey and Clark Poole with Rocki and Roxi unveiling the trophy.
The committee was so impressed and thankful with the amount of effort put forth by these 280 students, each participating high school earned a pizza party thanks to FlyBoy Pizza of Rutherfordton, run by Lance Cope.
Although the Trash Bowl has come to a close, individuals can still contact Keep Rutherford County Beautiful for supplies and do a litter pick-up on their ow with vests, gloves, and bags provided for a safe pick-up.
About Keep Rutherford County Beautiful: Keep Rutherford County Beautiful, the county's leading community beautification nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to act every day to improve their community environment. Established in 2017, Keep Rutherford County Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify Rutherford County. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and attractive community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of KRCB members, thousands of volunteers, and the collaborative support of municipalities, the NC Department of Transportation, corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, schools, and elected officials. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @KeepRCNCBeautiful.
