Submitted Photo Volunteer Jim Swanson and some of the 60 tires gathered during the 2023 Allegheny River Cleanup.

The 16th annual Allegheny River Cleanup will occur Thursday, Sept. 12 to Saturday, Sept. 14.

The beloved waterway of the Allegheny River was once again voted the Pennsylvania River of the Year for the third time in 41 years, a testament to our community’s dedication to environmental conservation.

Since 2005, more than 5,500 volunteers have donated more than 44,400 hours and removed more than 1,000 cubic yards of trash from the watershed.

Items pulled from the river include television sets, microwave ovens, lawn chairs, refrigerators, 55-gallon drums, more than 17,459 tires, and almost 80 tons of recyclable metal.

This year, crews will work on the stretch from Buckaloons to Wildwood Inn on Thursday, Sept. 12. On Friday, Sept. 13, cleanup will be done between Wildwood Inn and Tidioute. Finally, on Sept. 14, crews will focus on the stretch from Allegheny Outfitters to Buckaloons.

The annual Allegheny River Cleanup provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to improve the health of aquatic ecosystems and restore natural beauty by reducing the accumulation of trash — mainly plastics, tires, and metals — in the waters and on the shorelines of the Allegheny River, her tributaries, and the Allegheny Reservoir. Living in these beautiful surroundings is a privilege, and keeping them healthy is a responsibility.

All volunteers are invited to a wrap-up appreciation party known fondly as the ‘River Riot.’ The party will feature free food, beverages, live music, and the annual “Trashy Awards” presentations.

In 2023, about 200 volunteers removed more than 13 cubic yards of trash and 80 tires from the Allegheny River and its banks.

Over 6,000 pounds of recyclable metal were collected during the cleanup efforts and with contributions from the local community.

This year, from September 9 through September 15, the effort will accept recyclable metal from the community.

There will be a dumpster for recyclable metal in the parking lot of AutoZone on Market Street in North Warren. No garbage, tires, mattresses, batteries, or electronics, please.

The effort will require about 40 volunteers each day, and participants must sign up in advance by going to www. alleghenyrivercleanup.com/volunteer.html.