Unopened safe among 31K pounds of trash pulled from MI waterways in 2023 - WOODTV.com

31K pounds of trash pulled from Michigan waterways in 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Volunteers pulled more than 31,200 pounds of trash from Michigan waterways in 2023.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy provided $36,944 in grant funding to 11 organizations working to cleanup rivers, streams and creeks throughout the state.

Over the year, 1,674 volunteers spent 3,699 hours cleaning up Michigan waterways, EGLE said in a Feb. 13 release.

They ultimately pulled out 31,200 pounds of garbage from 222 miles of rivers and streams, plus more garbage that was pulled out but not weighed.

Among the trash was a tool chest full of tools, electric scooters and an unopened safe. Volunteers also find a grill, a reclining chair, a rubber duck, a credit card and a Barbie car.

This year, there’s $25,000 in grants available through the Michigan Clean Water Corps Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program, which is overseen by EGLE. The program is now accepting funding proposals.