Allegheny CleanWays

River Cleanups

Allegheny CleanWays’ riverfront cleanup program is aimed at creating trash-free rivers and streams throughout Allegheny County. Volunteers work with ​Allegheny CleanWays’ staff by boarding our pontoon boat, the Rachel Carson , from which they can pick up the plastic bottles, tires and other items littering the shores.

Because the rivers are a key feature of Allegheny County, partner organizations often join the cleanups and do other work such as invasive species removal, tree/flower planting, shoreline litter pickup, etc. These family-friendly cleanups are great opportunities to connect with and learn about the health of the region’s waterways.

Land-Based Cleanups

From our DumpBusters program to large cleanup events, the work that Allegheny CleanWays does to remove debris from the region’s hillsides, open lots, and greenways is the first crucial step to full restoration of the valuable green spaces that define the City of Pittsburgh.

When possible, Allegheny CleanWays works with other organizations that have a broader restoration goal in mind for the site after the cleanup, such as a trail or garden. When there is no specific goal for the land, we work with local residents to steward and restore the site.