Aspen cleanup event seeks more volunteers as litter volume accumulates

The sixth annual Pristine Riders Fall Trash Crush community clean-up and environmental stewardship event is seeking as many volunteers as possible this Friday, Sept 12, to combat the valley’s increasing litter problem.

Starting at the North Star Nature Preserve’s South Gate parking lot from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this walking or biking event will allow community members to come together to help clean up the landscape.

“When we say we love a place, to me that also means action,” Executive Director of Pristine Riders Erik Skarvan said. “That means I’m going to show I care with action. And one of the easiest things we can do is bend at the waist and pick up the waste.”

The volunteer litter clean-up will take place along local roads and multi-use paths where litter accumulates. And according to Skarvan, it’s been getting worse in recent years.

“It’s been historic amounts of litter volume since COVID,” he said. “We really need boots on the ground — there’s no substitute for that. Litter isn’t picking itself up. We need people to actually be there. The alternative is to allow litter to accumulate on our roads or paths or trails.”

Trash Crush has seen six fall events and 10 spring events so far. Skarvan noted that while spring events have typically seen about four to five dozen volunteers, the fall events have stayed smaller with only two to three dozen. This year, he is hoping to have the fall Trash Crush numbers reach what’s seen in the spring.

“Clean up our community while experiencing real community, that’s really the essence of it,” he said. “That’s one of the best ways to meet other members in the community who also have that sense of stewardship. You’ll be with like-minded individuals who really love and care about Aspen.”

Thanks to a partnership with CDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, all volunteers will be provided with orange safety vests and trash bags. Major sponsors also include Pitkin County Solid Waste Center, Aspen, Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Aspen Elks Lodge, and Silverpeak Grill. 

The first 25 volunteers to sign up at sundog@sopris.net will receive Troy’s Taco Bar and refreshments courtesy of lunch sponsor Silverpeak Grill at Koch Park after the litter pick up. Trashy Awards — including “Most Valuable Item,” “Most Exotic Item,” “Most Reusable Item,” and “Most Gross Item” — will be awarded with prizes.

Adults ages 18 and older and kids accompanied by adults are invited. Sun protection, long pants, work gloves, drinking water, and extra clothing in case of inclement weather are suggested. 

More information and registration is available by contacting Skarvan at sundog@sopris.net or (970) 925-1069.