March 22nd marked the 15th annual Sweep the Hooch, and wow—what an incredible day.

This community cleanup brings together hundreds of volunteers each year to help protect the Chattahoochee River, and this year didn’t disappoint. Over 1,500 volunteers showed up at more than 60 cleanup sites—from trails to tributaries—and together, we collected over 82,000 pounds of trash, including 369 tires. That’s a lot of junk pulled out of nature.

Tires? Seriously?

Yep. Tires were one of the biggest finds this year—and while they might seem like no big deal, they’re actually one of the most problematic types of waste out there.

Let’s break it down:

Every year in the U.S., roughly 290 million scrap tires are generated.
Even though many are recycled, millions still end up dumped or abandoned, where they leak chemicals and create major hazards.
Tires can take 50–80 years to decompose.
When left outdoors, they collect rainwater, making them the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like West Nile and Zika.
And if they catch fire? They release toxic, black smoke that’s dangerous to breathe and tough to extinguish.

So What Can We Do

About It?

Glad you asked—because we all have the power to help fix this:

Recycle your tires – Many retailers and recycling centers accept used tires. Companies like Liberty Tire Recycling and Tire Reclaim turn them into useful products like mulch, rubberized asphalt, and playground materials.
Join community cleanups – Events like Sweep the Hooch are a fun and impactful way to protect local ecosystems and meet like-minded people.
Repurpose what you can – Old tires can become everything from garden planters to outdoor furniture to obstacle course elements for kids.

Turning Trash into

Something Useful

Recycled tires don’t just stay out of the environment—they get a second life. Here are a few ways they’re being reused today:

Playground surfaces that are soft, safe, and durable
Rubber-modified asphalt for quieter, longer-lasting roads
Tire-derived fuel used in some industries as an alternative energy source
Rubber mulch for landscaping and erosion control

A Massive Win for the

Chattahoochee 💪

Thanks to everyone who came out for Sweep the Hooch, the river is cleaner, safer, and healthier than it was just a week ago.

✅ Over 82,000 pounds of trash removed
✅ 369 tires collected
✅ 60+ sites restored
✅ 1,500+ volunteers involved

That’s the power of community.

What’s Next?

If you missed this event, don’t worry—there are always more ways to help. Whether you’re recycling your next set of tires or spreading the word about smarter waste solutions, every action matters.

Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep Retaking Green.

— Tyler Salat
retakegreen.com

We Cleaned Up the Chattahoochee—Here’s What We Found