Many roadways in Goochland are in need of cleanup. The best and safest way to get involved is to adopt the roadway that affects your property. Volunteers agree to pick up litter four times a year for two years. In return, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides trash bags, vests, important safety information, and highway signs that recognize your group. To get involved, call Debbie Montgomery, VDOT Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator, at (804) 752-5511 to find out what roads are available for adoption. If you are not interested in committing to the VDOT program, but would still like to engage in litter pickups at the local level, please call Leigh Dunn at 556-5850 to obtain litter bags, grabbers, and vests.
Similar to Adopt-a-Highway, GARC is looking for community volunteer groups or businesses that would like to adopt a park. Each group will be responsible for cleaning up your adopted spot four times a year and submitting a brief report about the clean up. In return, your group’s name will be put on a sign displayed prominently at the park. In concert with this project, GARC is also developing a new logo to be used on the sign!
Mark your calendars for June 11, 2011! For over ten years, the James River Advisory Council has coordinated the James River Regional Clean up. There are many volunteer opportunities for different ages and abilities- from paddling the river to roadway cleanups to assisting participants with registration. This is a great volunteer activity for families, civic organizations, businesses, youth groups, or anyone who is interested in cleaning up Goochland’s riverfront. GARC provides volunteer staff for this event at Westview boat landing. The items collected during the clean up are sorted for recyclables and trash. If you know of any specific river segments or streams in Goochland that are in need of litter clean up, please contact Leigh Dunn at 556-5850.
This recently adopted program will enable citizens to pick up illegally placed signs within the VDOT right-of-way. Signs, typically advertisements, placed within the right-of-way are prohibited under state code. These illegally placed signs can cause safety issues by reducing sight distances at intersections, create litter, and are aesthetically unpleasing. Interested volunteers must first complete training and file an application for clean up before commencing sign removal.
Tires are normally accepted at the local convenience centers for a nominal charge; however, one day ever year, GARC will offer a “Tire Amnesty Day” which allows residents to bring their old tires in for free. There will be a limit to the amount of tire each person can bring. Only regular vehicle tires are accepted with the rims removed. Tractor, bus, or large truck tires will NOT be accepted. The collected tires may be burned for fuel or shredded into a mulch-like product. This rubber "mulch" is suitable for use as a permanent groundcover for landscaping, playgrounds and horse arenas. Unlike organic mulch made from chipped wood, this material never decomposes and requires minimal maintenance. The rubber also possesses shock absorbing capabilities, making it a safer surface for playgrounds and arenas. This event is usually held in the Spring, so make sure you check in the local paper for the public notice.
GARC recently purchased five temporary recycling bins to be used for local special events, festivals, or any large events that may generate a lot of recyclables. These bins will be available to loan out to the community free of charge. Event coordinators will be responsible for changing out the bags when full and taking the recyclables to the Convenience Center.