Get the latest information about the 32nd Annual Waterway Cleanup here. This page is refreshed regularly so be sure to check for the latest updates.

If you are a journalist and would like more information about the Waterway Cleanup or would like to attend upcoming Waterway Cleanup events, contact MIASF Public Relations & Events Coordinator, Melanie Daily at (954) 524-2733 or via email at melanie@miasf.org


Media Information
Waterway Cleanup Fact Sheet
Learn the Trash Facts

Media Coverage
View 2008 31st Annual Waterway Cleanup Video - Created by Broward County Waste & Recycling Adopt-A-Street Program
View 2008 31st Annual Waterway Cleanup Video - Created by The City of Miramar

Press Releases
MIASF Adds Five New Sites for its 31st Annual Waterway Cleanup (PDF)
2008 Official Results Press Release (PDF)


Waterway Cleanup Fact Sheet
EVENT: 32nd Annual Waterway Cleanup, the largest one-day environmental cleanup effort in Broward County, organized and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) with support from local businesses, government agencies and civic organizations.

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: 36 cleanup sites around Broward County. Event flyers and details will be available at Broward County Publix Supermarkets, local marine and non-marine retail stores, online at www.waterwaycleanup.org or by calling
954-524-2733.

WHO: Because Waterway Cleanup is a great way to learn about and help preserve our marine environment, everyone is encouraged to participate! Volunteers are needed to work along the shorelines and waterfront as well as on the water in boats.

2008 RESULTS: 2,000 volunteers on land and water cleaned nearly 35 tons/235 cubic yards of trash from approximately 300 miles of waterways in Broward County.

Learn the Trash Facts
The purpose of the Waterway Cleanup is not only to clean the accumulated trash from our waterways and improve our environment, but also to educate and inform members of our community about the importance of proper trash disposal as well as the economic and environmental impact of indiscriminate dumping in the waterways of Broward County.

There are some facts about bulk waste collection and the biodegradability of trash that everyone should know:

What is Bulk Waste?
Bulk waste includes household items such as couches, chairs, mattresses, tables, appliances, carpets, padding and fencing. It also refers to yard waste such as tree trimmings, branches, palm fronds, lumber and metal poles.

Every year our volunteers pull tires, appliances, shopping carts and other types of bulk waste from our waterways and shores. Unfortunately, people who are not aware of the Bulk Waste Collection in cities in incorporated Broward County and county wide Household Hazardous Waste Collection programs run by Broward County Waste and Recycling Services often abuse our natural resource by dumping bulk waste into our lakes and waterways.

What are Biodegradable Materials?
Biodegradable materials are made of components found in nature the decompose on their own over a short period of time. Examples are things like fruit rinds and other foods, animal bones, natural fibers and plant matter, to name a few. Biodegradable materials do not harm the environment and can often be used as either compost or fertilizer to help plants grow.

What are Non-Biodegradable Materials?
Non-biodegradable materials typically anything man-made out of synthetics, metals, plastics, chemicals and petroleum products such as gasoline, paints, thinners and solvents can pose health risks to both humans and animals and can harm the environment if they are not disposed of properly through city waste management programs.

It is the purpose of Waterway Cleanup to remove bulk waste and non-biodegradable materials from our waterways in an effort to make our environment a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place to live in.

Click here for a printable version of the Trash Facts.