Aiken Hosts Annual Edisto River Sweep

Aiken, SC, September 30, 2025

News Summary

The annual Edisto River Sweep in Aiken invites community participation to clean up the South Fork of the Edisto River. Taking place at Aiken State Park, volunteers will engage in litter pickup to contribute to environmental preservation. The event, part of South Carolina’s largest one-day litter cleanup—Beach Sweep/River Sweep—has shown remarkable results over the years, collecting over 1,300 tons of litter across the state. This initiative is supported by Keep Aiken County Beautiful and various environmental organizations, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in protecting local ecosystems.

Aiken, SC is set to host the annual Edisto River Sweep on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This event welcomes participation from everyone, including individuals, families, schools, youth groups, civic and conservation clubs, and businesses, all coming together to help clean up the South Fork of the Edisto River.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Aiken State Park, where volunteers can check in and pick up supplies at 1145 State Park Road, located at the corner of Old Tory Trail and State Park Road. Most volunteers will be engaged in litter pickup on land surrounding the park, with limited opportunities for trash removal directly from the Edisto River.

The Edisto River Sweep is part of the annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep, South Carolina’s largest one-day litter cleanup of beaches and waterways. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Keep Aiken County Beautiful (KACB) has partnered with Aiken State Park to facilitate this vital environmental initiative.

The event is organized collaboratively by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. The Edisto River holds the title of the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America, entirely contained within South Carolina. Preserving the cleanliness of the river is crucial for protecting wildlife, preserving delicate ecosystems, and safeguarding South Carolina’s natural treasures.

Since the inception of the Beach Sweep/River Sweep 35 years ago, over 1,300 tons of litter have been collected and recycled throughout South Carolina. In Aiken County alone, last year, 48 volunteers gathered 480 pounds of trash along four miles of roadway and riverbank during the same event.

All participants in the Edisto River Sweep will receive free T-shirts and safety gear, including trash bags and gloves. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and long pants for their safety while participating in the cleanup. The local community in Aiken County is strongly urged to contribute to this essential cleanup effort to help maintain the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

For additional information or to register for the event, participants can contact Keep Aiken County Beautiful via email at [email protected] or visit the official page at aikencountysc.gov/KACB.

FAQ

When will the Edisto River Sweep take place?

The Edisto River Sweep will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Who can participate in the event?

Participation in the event is open to everyone, including individuals, families, schools, youth groups, civic and conservation clubs, and businesses.

What time does the event start?

The event will start at 9 a.m. at Aiken State Park.

Where can volunteers check in and pick up supplies?

Volunteer check-in and supply pickup will occur at 1145 State Park Road, at the corner of Old Tory Trail and State Park Road.

What type of work will volunteers be doing?

Most volunteers will assist with litter pickup on land surrounding the park, with limited opportunities to remove trash from the Edisto River.

What larger event is the Edisto River Sweep part of?

The Edisto River Sweep is part of the annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep, which is South Carolina’s largest one-day litter cleanup of beaches and waterways.

How many tons of litter have been collected in South Carolina since the Beach Sweep/River Sweep began?

Over 1,300 tons of litter have been collected and recycled across South Carolina since the Beach Sweep/River Sweep began 35 years ago.

What safety gear is provided for volunteers?

Participants in the Edisto River Sweep will receive free T-shirts and safety gear (trash bags and gear will be provided).

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Keep Aiken County Beautiful to Take Part in Statewide Cleanup Effort
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Post and Courier: Creative Recycling Receptacles Help to Keep Waterways Litter-Free in Aiken County
• Google Search: Waterway Cleanup South Carolina
• Post and Courier: Keep Aiken Beautiful – Edisto River
• Google Scholar: River Cleanup Initiatives
• The State: Local Environment News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Cleanup

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.