For the first time, St. Charles Parish will hold a month-long Trash Bash and give those who do the best job of cleaning up their communities this month prizes that range from electronics to camping gear.
In the past, the parish has held a one-day event in both the spring and fall to encourage residents to get outside and pickup trash that litters the area. In March, 122 volunteers filled up 42 garbage bags with roadside litter.
But because it’s hard to find a date that works for everyone in the community, the parish hopes that extending the time frame will encourage more participation.
“Traditionally, the fall Trash Bash is more low-key and attracts folks who are very committed to beautifying our parish. But we wanted to encourage all residents to do something – even if it’s as simple as redoing the landscaping in front of their own homes,” parish spokeswoman Renee Simpson said. “Every little bit helps, and each project is a stepping stone to a more beautiful parish. So we wanted to not only reward, but showcase people’s efforts.”
Those efforts will be displayed on Facebook and voters will choose their favorites.
Groups or individuals wishing to participate must sign up at www.scptrashbash.org using the form provided to be entered into the contest. Participants then have until midnight Oct. 31 to email photos of their project to publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net. Before and after photos and action photos are encouraged.
During the first week in November, all entries will be posted to the Trash Bash Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scptrashbash with a full description of each project. After a period of five days after the posting date, the project with the most ‘likes’ associated with its photo will win the inaugural Fall Trash Bash Photo Contest.
Prizes to be awarded will be announced soon.
“We are looking at getting a handful of nice prizes such as electronics, camping gear and gift certificates donated,” Simpson said. “The goal is for them to be things a family can get a lot of use out of, or that a student or volunteer group could possibly raffle off as a fundraiser.”
Simpson said Trash Bash is also a great way for students to gain service hours required by their schools, churches or community organizations. Group leaders can receive service hour certificates by emailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net or calling (985) 783-5182.
For more information about Trash Bash and household and hazardous waste recycling opportunities, visit www.scptrashbash.org.
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