What is the Big Sweep?
Volunteers track the amount and different types of trash collected on data cards. North Carolina Big Sweep, a nonprofit organization, enters data from each county to produce a statewide database, which is then entered into a national and international database by the Ocean Conservancy. This data is used to identify and target specific audiences in need of litter prevention education. Big Sweep volunteers also collect clean aluminum cans, plastic drink bottles, glass, wooden pallets, and tires for recycling. This has helped to divert tons of recyclables from the landfill. Zone Captains also serve as the “eyes and ears” of local waterways to assist their towns and cities in protecting drinking water supplies and tributaries to the larger Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers.

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1. How can I volunteer?
2. Why is picking up litter important?
3. What is the Big Sweep?
4. What is Wake County Big Sweep?
5. Does the Big Sweep Event allow school groups?