River Sweep
Our Annual River Sweep
WAVE Foundation partners with ORSANCO and F.O.R.E. annually to bring together our community for River Sweep. River Sweep is held every spring and invites the community to come clean up the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, KY.
WAVE Foundation's 15th Annual River Sweep
Stay Tuned for Date!
Join us in 2026 for WAVE Foundation's 15th Annual River Sweep!
We will once again partner with ORSANCO (Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission) and F.O.R.E (Foundations for Ohio River Education) to bring awareness to local water conservation by cleaning up the banks of the Ohio River! After participants check in, they can grab supplies and check out ORSANCO and F.O.R.E’s “Below the Water Line” Aquarium that will feature local aquatic species that live in the Ohio River.
The Sweep will start in the morning and last about 2 hours.
All supplies needed to safely clean up trash will be provided by WAVE Foundation.
Water will be supplied and everyone is invited to stay afterward for a Pizza lunch!
Can't Make it to WAVE Foundation's River Sweep?
ORSANCO’s Ohio River Sweep used to be a one day event, but Ohio River Sweep has now changed to a full season! The goal is to support clean up events from March through October to remove the greatest amount of litter possible, thus having a larger collective impact than a one day event could previously offer.
Participants choose the date and location of their cleanup and the Ohio River Sweep provides support and supplies to hold the event. Find an event to join, or organize your own River Sweep!
Looking to host a private Mini-River Sweep for your group or business?
WAVE Foundation offers small groups and businesses a chance to set up a private Mini-River Sweep on a date and time of your choosing. These events allow volunteers to help keep our waterways clean, give back to the community, and support WAVE Foundation’s mission to inspire and foster environmental stewards of aquatic life through education, conservation, and volunteerism!
Volunteer groups can choose the date they would like to participate. Your mini-sweep includes all materials and guidance needed to clean a section of the Ohio River that spans the banks of Newport, KY. With the opportunity to volunteer comes the chance to shape conservation education in the community with a contribution of $500. This gift expands your impact beyond the shoreline and into the classroom at WAVE. Thank you in advance for the donation required to participate in your Mini-River Sweep!
Click below to fill out our Private Mini-River Sweep Request form.