Hundreds to take to Missouri River to clear thousands of pounds of trash

SUGAR CREEK, Mo. (KCTV) - Hundreds of volunteers are expected to take to the banks of the Missouri River and clear thousands of pounds of trash.

of Missouri River Relief say the expect 200 volunteers to mobilize for a large-scale cleanup effort along a 10-mile stretch of the Missouri River at LaBenite Park in Sugar Creek. The event will bring the community together to remove flood debris and improperly disposed of trash from the river.

Due to increased awareness of single-use plastic waste, leaders said registration has already filled up. The volunteers are now set to experience the importance of environmental stewardship as they make a tangible difference in the community.

On Saturday, April 12, MRR indicated that pre-ed volunteers are expected to begin the process around 8:45 a.m. as they prepare to board boats along the park’s ramp at 9. Experienced operators, Missouri Department of Conservation staff and the Sugar Creek Fire Dept. will ferry volunteers to pre-scouted locations.

Within a few hours, organization leaders noted that the volunteers will have removed thousands of pounds of trash as they make an immediate and positive impact on the river’s ecosystem.

After the cleanup, said they would conduct a brand audit of the collected trash. This initiative is part of a larger Break Free from Plastic report that helps identify the world’s leading polluters to provide crucial data and ability.

While registration for the event is full, those who did not make the list have been encouraged to explore the MRR’s Clean River Start at Home program. The cleanup has been sponsored by Evergy, Spire, Bass Pro Shops – Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Veterans United Foundation, GFL Environmental, Mid-America Regional Council, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri River Bird Observatory, City of Sugar Creek, and Missouri Stream Team.

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.