Greatest American Cleanup

Greatest American Cleanup dates in Rutherford County:

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Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Join us for the Annual Fall River Sweep with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition! We will be cleaning up section 5 of the Broad River, from Gray’s Road to Coxe Road accesses. This is a water-based clean-up on an 4.8-mile stretch of river with 40-50 ft channels and a few fun Class I and II rapids.

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Please bring your own boat, paddle, and lifejacket (PFD), or call the office at (828) 289-3260 or contact krcb@rutherfordoutdoor.org to inquire about borrowing gear. Please also bring lunch, snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water. All sweep materials, including trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers will be provided.

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When: Saturday, September 27th @ 9AM
Where: Meet at Gray's Road River Access (520 Grays Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139)
Register: Click here to sign up by Wednesday, September 24th

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Saturday, November 15, 2025

Show your love for our local trails by joining a litter sweep along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Downtown Spindale!

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We will be meeting at the ROC Office in Spindale. Trash bags, gloves, visibility vests, and grabbers will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it. Join us after for snacks, drinks, and to grab your free Greatest American Cleanup t-shirt!​

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When: Saturday, Nov 15th at 10AM

Where: ROC Office (115 N. Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160)

Register here: CLICK HERE or email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org

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Monday, January 19, 2026

Show your love for our community by joining a beautification day in downtown Spindale on MLK Day!

Join us for a litter sweep and garden workday at the ROC Office in Spindale. The litter sweep will be along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, and the garden work will be at the pollinator garden near the trail. Choose your own adventure, or help with both!

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Trash bags, gloves, visibility vests, grabbers, and all gardening gear will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it. Join us after for snacks, drinks, and to grab your free Greatest American Cleanup t-shirt. 

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When: Monday, January 19th at 10AM

Where: ROC Office (115 N. Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160)

Register: CLICK HERE or email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org

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Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Join Keep Rutherford County Beautiful, the Town of Rutherfordton, and ROC to clean up the beautiful green spaces and parks of Rutherfordton!

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We will be meeting at the Purple Martin Greenway trailhead and assigning sweep locations based on number of volunteers. Trash bags, gloves, visibility vests, and grabbers will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it. Join us after for snacks, drinks, and to grab your free Greatest American Cleanup t-shirt!

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When: Saturday, March 21st at 10 a.m.

Where: Purple Martin Greenway Trailhead (455 S Main St, Rutherfordton, NC)

Register: CLICK HERE or email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org

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Saturday, March 21st, 2026

More details coming soon...