Caring for Place. One Bag at a Time.
Trail Town Trash is Burke River Trail Association’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship across the Burke River Trail corridor.
BRTA first became involved in roadside cleanups during the March 2024 Burke County Chamber Litter Sweep, organizing trash pickups in all nine Trail Towns along the trail route. Over eight days, 51 volunteers collected 65 bags of trash across communities large and small—demonstrating both the scale of the problem and the power of coordinated action.
That effort sparked something lasting.
Because we care deeply about our environment, wildlife, public safety, and the appearance of our towns, BRTA committed to continuing monthly Trail Town Trash Pickups. These cleanups are now a regular part of our work—happening year-round, led by dedicated volunteers, and supported through partnerships and grants that provide safety gear and supplies.
In 2025, 84 volunteers collected 139 bags of trash just for the litter sweep and received 1st Place in the Chamber Litter Sweep. We inspired the Exceptional Cleanup Crew and worked with NCSSM on a Day of Service.
Why We Do It
Litter isn’t just unsightly—it has real consequences.
- Environmental Impact
Trash can leach harmful chemicals into soil and groundwater. Lightweight litter is easily carried into streams and rivers, contributing to plastic pollution and microplastics that harm ecosystems and enter the food chain. - Wildlife Safety
Animals often mistake litter for food, leading to choking, starvation, or injury. Plastic bags, broken glass, and metal debris pose serious risks to wildlife and waterfowl. - Community Appearance
Litter creates visual blight and often attracts more dumping. Clean roadsides signal pride, care, and investment in a place. - Road & Pedestrian Safety
Debris can puncture tires, clog storm drains, cause flooding, and create hazards for drivers, cyclists, and people walking along roadways. - Economic Considerations
Communities struggling with litter often face higher cleanup costs and reduced appeal for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
More Than a Cleanup
Trail Town Trash is about more than removing litter—it’s about modeling stewardship.
Our volunteers—proudly known as the Litter Gitters—show up month after month because they believe caring for a place is an act of love. Their work has inspired others, including youth, students, and adults with disabilities, to take part in keeping Burke County clean and safe.
While BRTA is committed to hosting regular cleanups, we also encourage individuals, organizations, and municipalities to do their part—whether that means joining us, organizing their own efforts, or reporting problem areas so county resources can be deployed. Link to the county cleanup request form: https://www.burkenc.org/2569/Community-Beautification
Get Involved
The BRTA Litter Gitters typically pick up trash once a month on Sunday afternoons at rotating locations across the Trail Towns.
📅 Check upcoming cleanup dates on our calendar
📍 Follow Burke River Trail Association on Facebook for event details and updates
Together, we’re proving that small actions—done consistently—can make a visible difference across an entire county.
