This year's cleanup is presented in partnership with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which will host 14 cleanup sites within the park boundaries. Organizers expressed their gratitude for the support of sponsors and partners, highlighting the crucial role they play in making Sweep the Hooch possible.
Last year's event saw an impressive 32.5 tons of trash removed from the river and its surrounding areas, with 2.25 tons of that total being recycled. Volunteers are hoping to make an even bigger impact this year.
Volunteer Opportunities: Walkers/Waders and Paddlers
Sweep the Hooch offers two types of volunteer assignments: walkers/waders and paddlers. Due to site capacity limits, volunteers are encouraged to register early, as registration for individual sites will close once they reach their maximum number of participants.
Walkers/Waders: These land-based volunteers will focus on collecting trash in and around the river and its tributaries. As much of the trash accumulates in shallow water, volunteers should be prepared to get their feet wet. Waders, rain boots, or water shoes are recommended. Some sites will also have walkers targeting invasive, non-native plant species.
Paddlers: Volunteers with kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) can participate as paddlers. They will travel between three and five miles along designated river segments, collecting debris from areas inaccessible from land. Volunteers must provide their own boats; none will be available on-site.
For questions about volunteering, contact tbates@chattahoochee.org
Registration Now Open
Registration for Sweep the Hooch 2025 is officially open. All volunteers will be required to sign the CRK Liability Waiver, available here, which can be electronically signed during the registration process.
Registration is divided into three regions:
Headwaters (North): Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, and White Counties.
Metro Atlanta: Carroll, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties.
Middle Chattahoochee (South): Coweta, Muscogee, Russell (AL), and Troup Counties.
For more information and to register, visit the Sweep the Hooch website. A complete list of cleanup sites by region is also available online.
