Allegheny CleanWays – Behind the Scenes

We spent the day with the Allegheny CleanWays (ACW) crew getting our hands dirty cleaning up the Youghiogheny River in Pittsburgh, PA as part of ACW’s annual month-long river cleanup. And what’s a day on the river without a post-volunteer gathering with food and fun?

Allegheny CleanWay’s mission is to engage and empower people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Allegheny County, PA. Since 2000 they’ve removed over 5 million lbs of debris, 44 thousand tires, and 197 thousand lbs of metal and recyclables—that’s a lot of trash! 

The Public Lands Fund supports organizations like Allegheny CleanWays that are protecting public lands and increasing access and equity in the outdoors. Public Lands is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of all sales to The Public Lands Fund each year.  

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Erica Pasquali (She/Her) Land-based Program Coordinator

Favorite way to get outside: Hiking, biking, camping in my vintage trailer. 

Go-to snack in the outdoors: Cliff Bar or spicy Cajun trail mix 

Most amount of trash cleaned up in one day: 7,115 lbs at a dumpsite cleanup in Bloomfield that was all concrete blocks. 

What’s one thing everyone could do to reduce their trash? Limit single-use plastics. 

Most interesting item(s) you’ve found while cleaning up: A decayed casket 

Hannah Hohman (She/Her) Water-based Program Coordinator 

Favorite way to get outside: Anything on the rivers/water, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and boating 

Go-to snack in the outdoors: Jerky, Cliff bars, Cheez-its 

Hidden talent: I can whistle extremely well. I always joke that it's my party trick. Think a combo of Snow White and the whistle from Kill Bill. 

Most amount of trash cleaned up in one day: It’s hard to say! We once pulled nearly 200 tires from a waterway during a cleanup and had them all on our boat! 

What’s one thing everyone could do to reduce their trash? Buy less stuff that is made to be thrown away. Question our throw away culture. 

Best reusable or repurposed item? Metal water bottles! I’ve picked up thousands of plastic bottles on the rivers. 

Most interesting item(s) you’ve found while cleaning up: ATM, voodoo doll, wearable clothes, foam deer head for archery, coyote decoy 

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.