136 Pounds Removed During Providence Greenway Cleanup

On May 9, Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA) hosted a volunteer beach and river cleanup in Providence, Rhode Island, along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Ten volunteers collected 136 pounds of trash during the cleanup despite overcast skies and misty weather conditions. The event brought together local community members and partner organizations to help clear debris from the urban waterway corridor.

Event Details

The cleanup was set up along the Woonasquatucket Greenway, where volunteers worked through damp conditions and muddy shoreline areas throughout the morning. The misty weather kept temperatures cool, but the group continued covering sections of the path and river edge, collecting scattered litter and larger debris.

One of the more unusual finds of the day was a wallet believed to have been lost nearly ten years ago. Volunteers also removed common shoreline debris, including plastic packaging, bottles, and miscellaneous trash that had built up along the greenway.

Partner Recognition

This cleanup was organized in collaboration with Be the Solution to Pollution, Zero Waste Providence, and Honeycomb Studios. Their support helped bring volunteers together for another community cleanup effort in Providence.

What Was Found

Along with the recovered wallet, volunteers found a mix of plastic fragments, beverage containers, food wrappers, and debris caught along vegetation near the riverbank. Urban waterways like the Woonasquatucket often collect trash carried through storm drains and surrounding streets, especially after rain and wet weather.

Why It Matters

Trash left along river systems eventually moves downstream into larger waterways and coastal environments. Removing debris from greenways and riverbanks helps reduce plastic pollution, protects local wildlife, and keeps shared public spaces cleaner for the community.

Get Involved

ORCA regularly hosts volunteer beach cleanup events in Rhode Island and community cleanups throughout the region. Visit our events page to sign up for an upcoming volunteer beach cleanup or support future cleanups through a donation.

Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA) is a nonprofit organization focused on beach cleanups and ocean conservation across Rhode Island and Connecticut.