Get paid to clean up Calhoun with ‘Cash for Roadside Trash’

By Editor | March 22, 2022 |

By Carissa Sitki
It is once again spring-cleaning time in Calhoun County, which means the ‘Cash for Roadside Trash’ anti-litter campaign launches this week.
Sponsored by the Calhoun Community Foundation (CCF), Cash for Roadside Trash is an annual monetary incentive program that encourages civic-minded volunteers to get outside and remove litter scattered along the county’s scenic highways and byways.
In past years, the program has been wildly successful, according to Coordinator Judy Burch of the CCF. “Even during the COVID years, people came out to participate,” she said. “Last year there were 197 bags of trash collected.”
According to Burch, each bag is 33 gallons and typically weighs between 30 and 40 pounds once filled. “The amount of trash we collect is amazing,” said Burch. “Over the years, people have gotten better about not littering, but we usually collect at least two tons.”
The program pays $2 for each bag filled with litter. Added incentives include two $100 prizes, which will be awarded to individuals, or teams, who collect the most bags. There will also be two second-place winners who will each be awarded a $50 bonus prize.
Official CCF collection bags must be used by the participants and can be obtained in the lobbies of the Bank of Calhoun (Hardin and Brussels) and the lobbies of the Bank of Kampsville (Hardin, Brussels and Kampsville). Sign-in sheets are also provided.
In an attempt by the organization to collect the trash as close to Earth Day (April 22) as possible, the redeem date for Cash for Trash is Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Calhoun Highway Building, south of Hardin, or the St. Mary’s parking lot in Brussels. Participants may begin collecting litter now.
Burch added that this project is something that the CCF is incredibly proud to sponsor. “It’s such a positive project that brings Calhoun together for a great goal.”
The CCF hopes the mild spring weather will encourage many to get out and participate, as volunteers not only earn funds for their efforts, but they provide an important service to Calhoun County. For further information, contact Burch at (618) 883-2223, or [email protected].
“Calhoun is a lovely little county and we want to put our best face forward,” said Burch. “We are grateful for the effort put in to de-litter the community.”