Ohio River Sweep



Ohio River Sweep

The Ohio River Sweep is the annual, volunteer cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River. Volunteers from the six states, which border the Ohio River, remove litter at multiple locations along the Ohio River and many of its tributaries.

Since 1989, this award-winning cleanup for the Ohio River has been organized by ORSANCO, FORE, and the environmental protection agencies from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The volunteers for the Ohio River Sweep have made tremendous progress cleaning the Ohio River. Yet, litter continues to be a global problem. Volunteers make a positive impact in the entire Ohio River Basin by participating in the Ohio River Sweep.

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:

All levels of donations:
1 – recognition on our Ohio River Sweep sponsor page, and electronic newsletter.
A donation of $5,000 or more:
1 – recognition on our Ohio River Sweep sponsor page and electronic newsletter;
2 – additional event planning support (if needed)
3 – special recognition on our social media platforms; and
4 – logo recognition on our event t-shirt.
A donation of $10,000 or more
1 – recognition on our Ohio River Sweep sponsor page and electronic newsletter;
2 – additional event planning support (if needed)
3 – special recognition on our social media platforms.
4 – logo recognition on our event t-shirt; and
5 – recognition on all promotional materials and press releases.

*revised 1/11/23

We appreciate your support and commitment to environmental stewardship, and we look forward to partnering with you in protecting the Ohio River watershed!

The Ohio River Sweep serves as a collaboration between the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) and the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE). FORE is the 501c3 non-profit supporting organization of ORSANCO that provides environmental education and stewardship programs in the Ohio River Basin. FORE raises and manages funding for the Ohio River Sweep. Residual funds from Ohio River Sweep may be used to support additional environmental stewardship programs.

Find a Sweep Near You

Want to participate in a Sweep, but don’t have a group to plan one with? Check out our map below that will regularly be updated to reflect current Sweeps.
Community Service Confirmation Form

Download Materials

Download/View

Upcoming Cleanup Events (updated bimonthly)