Caldwell County Big Sweep

Caldwell County Big Sweep will be held during the months of September and October for the Fall pick up and March and April for the Spring pick up.

What is Big Sweep?

Big Sweep was founded in 1987 by Dr. Lundie Spence of North Carolina State University's Sea Grant College Program. Big Sweep is a nonprofit organization that conducts year-round education for litter-free waters and coordinates the North Carolina Big Sweep Waterway Cleanup.

In a time of uncertainty in the economy, unemployment remains relatively low and North Carolina is experiencing an influx of population. Services and resources are being required to respond to higher demands. Restrictions on water use are being put in place across the state. It is critical that we focus on continuing to protect our environment and natural resources.

Big Sweep strives to bring a vision of clean waterways closer to a reality in our state.

Caldwell County has participated in Big Sweep since 1999. Caldwell County Big Sweep averages 234 volunteers that pick up on average 438 bags of trash. These volunteers collect approximately 14,017 lbs of trash from approximately 15.8 miles of streams and lakeshores throughout Caldwell County. That is a lot of trash, but there is much more to be picked up. Our streams and lakeshores continue to be polluted with litter and need our help all year not

Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District is coordinating the "Caldwell County Big Sweep Waterways Cleanup" every first Saturday in October. All trash bags, gloves, grabbers, hand sanitizer, drinks, and snacks are provided for each volunteer.