From Porta-Potties to Lime Scooters: Tons of Trash Pulled from Denver Lakes
The task of keeping Denver’s lakes clean is a significant one, with Denver Parks and Recreation spending countless hours removing trash from the city’s waterways. The debris ranges from water bottles left behind after picnics to more bizarre items like porta-potties and Lime scooters that end up in the water.
Stephanie Figueroa, a representative from Denver Parks and Recreation, highlights the volume of trash collected during routine cleanups. On an average day of monitoring and cleaning, park workers and volunteers can gather between 50 to 100 pounds of litter. However, during comprehensive lake cleanups, the amount of trash can reach as much as 500 pounds.
“Our teams spend hundreds of hours picking up trash from our waterways, including staff and volunteers,” Figueroa said.
Sources of the Trash
While some of the trash is directly from people littering in parks, Figueroa explains that the litter comes from various sources. Most lakes in Denver are fed by stormwater, meaning trash from streets and surrounding landscapes often washes into the lakes. This results in a significant accumulation of plastics, such as water bottles, straws, and plastic bags, which are commonly found floating in the water.
Occasionally, more unusual and larger items are discovered in the lakes. Among the bizarre finds are Lime scooters, trash barrels, and even porta-potties. These items not only present a challenge for cleanup crews but also highlight the diverse origins of the debris polluting the waterways.
Community Involvement in Cleanup Efforts
To combat the issue, Denver Parks and Recreation organizes cleanup events and encourages community participation through initiatives like the Adopt-A-Spot Program. This program enlists volunteers to maintain specific areas of the city, ensuring they remain free of litter. Additionally, parks and recreation officials advocate for individual cleanup efforts, such as picking up trash during runs or organizing neighborhood cleanups at local parks.
These initiatives aim to keep Denver’s lakes and parks clean while raising awareness about the impact of littering and the importance of community involvement in maintaining a pristine environment.
By working together, the community can help reduce the amount of trash ending up in Denver’s lakes, ensuring these natural resources remain a beautiful and enjoyable part of the city for everyone.
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