To dramatically improve the enjoyment of the rivers and streams of the Potomac watershed, we are committed to a Trash Free Potomac by 2013!

Click to view Potomac Watershed Trash Treaty

The Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative has catalyzed the region to pay attention to this vital pollution problem. We are proud of the overwhelmingly positive response received from regional leaders. The Potomac Watershed Trash Treaty has been signed by 71 elected officials in the region, and has gained the attention of national, regional and local media.

The Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative (TFPWI) is a program to reduce trash and increase recycling, education and awareness of trash issues in the Watershed. These goals are being addressed through the Potomac River Watershed Trash Treaty, Annual Potomac River Watershed Trash Summit, Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, and Regional Public Education & Awareness Campaign.

Getting the watershed trash-free will be done step by step, and city block by city block. The trash is in everyone's back yard, and we need the power of organization and association! Let's all work together on a fun and essential goal for a beautiful and healthy watershed.

Why is Trash a Problem?

Trash:

negatively impacts community aesthetic and well-being;
interferes with public use and enjoyment of river and streamside parks;
can have significant negative chemical and biological impacts including: leaking and/or leaching of toxics from certain types of disposed items such as used oil quart containers, oil filters and car batteries;
can interference with the establishment of emergent aquatic plants;
can be hazardous to wildlife through ingestion of or entanglement in floating debris.

Trash is a serious problem in the Potomac River Watershed, and its major tributaries. Trash travels from our streets into storm drains and waterways until it reaches the Potomac. While there is currently limited research or regional data that tracks the sources of regional trash, we speculate that the majority of this trash originates as refuse improperly or intentionally disposed of along roadsides and in public and private open spaces.

Trash Initiative News

The National Park Service, Alice Ferguson Foundation, and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Announce First Litter Enforcement Week, Enforcement Emphasized to Encourage Greater Stewardship in Parks and Communities details...

2008 Major Sponsors of the Initiative Include:

For a complete list of Sponsors for the 2008 Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative, please visit Current Sponsors.