Trash Free Anacostia: The Final Push

Every year, 20,000 tons of trash enter the Anacostia River leaving a polluted, dirty and neglected river bordering our neighborhoods. According to the latest report, plastic bags, bottles, wrappers and Styrofoam make up 85% of the trash. In the tributaries of the Anacostia, such as Watts Branch, nearly 50% of the trash is plastic bags.

DC taxpayers spend over $50 million every year cleaning bags and trash out of the Anacostia River and off our streets. And soon, the EPA will establish heavy fines for the District every time trash exceeds its limit in the River — just about every time we have a heavy rain because of the city's outdated sewer system. The District has a great recycling program, but even with this, every bag recycled costs taxpayers money and bags still litter the River. The bags also cost stores money, raising the price of our groceries and other goods.

DC Council has taken the first step in approving the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act of 2009, but lobbyists from the American Chemistry Council continue to press several of the Councilmembers to water down this important legislation. If approved, the bill make the District one of the nation's leaders in addressing pollution and trash created by disposable plastic and paper bags. Councilmembers need to hear from you to stay strong in their support to improve the Anacostia River, the city's health, and the city's bottom line.

Please take a minute to say "Thank You!" to the Councilmembers for their critical vote:

Thank the Councilmembers

To: Adrian Fenty, Mayor of the District of Columbia
Vincent Gray, Chairman of the DC Council
At-Large members of the DC Council
Your ward Councilmember

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Thank you for your important vote in support of the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act of 2009!

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Please vote again in support at the Final Reading on June 16th.

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