DuPage
River Sweep
34th Annual River Sweep
Saturday, April 19th, 2025*
9:00am — 12:00pm
The annual River Sweep is a self-coordinated stream cleanup held each spring throughout DuPage County and parts of Will County along the DuPage River. The purpose of the one-day event is to encourage volunteer groups to help “sweep our rivers clean” by picking up debris in and along local waterways.
*This year, we celebrate River Sweep over a few weeks! Due to the Easter holiday, cleanup date may vary by municipality – check registration or communities below for details.
Registration sign-up deadline is end-of-day Saturday, April 5th!
River Sweep Over Time
Over the past 30+ years, more than 16,000 volunteers have removed over 300 tons of garbage from the DuPage River and Salt Creek waterways. The first River Sweep was held in 1991. Our volunteers make a difference right here and right now!
How It Works
Participants register and are assigned to a Community Liaison, who coordinates volunteers to remove litter from a nearby section of river. Streambank restoration activities, such as removing invasive species and planting native species, are available in some areas for those who prefer to keep their feet dry. Supplies and technical support are provided by sponsoring organizations to help communities coordinate their efforts.
Registration
Register above to count yourself in! To learn more about being a Community Liaison or Group Coordinator, read our Group Coordinator’s Manual.
Help us expand the River Sweep to more locations by volunteering to be a Community Liaison or Group Coordinator in an area not listed below. Contact Amy Phillips for how to get started – it’s simple!
2025 Community Liaisons:
If you live in Cook County and are looking for cleanups near you, visit the Salt Creek Watershed Network’s website to learn more.
Restoration Sites
If picking up trash isn’t your bag, many communities offer restoration opportunities to restore natural areas near waterways. Contact your community liaison for more information.
In Your Community
Promote the River Sweep
Share the River Sweep Brochure widely to help spread the word in your community!
Other ways to help include:
- Sharing this page with family and friends
- Promoting the event on your social channels
- Organizing a group to participate in the River Sweep
- Becoming a Community Liaison for your area
- Registering for the River Sweep
2025 Sponsors & Partners
Photography by volunteer Nissa Sampson
