Keep Jax Cute, Don’t Pollute
The City of Jacksonville (COJ) has launched a new city-wide initiative to prevent trash pollution, as well as to encourage environmental stewardship by empowering residents to take pride in their neighborhoods. St. Johns Riverkeeper is committed to working with the city on this initiative to improve the health of Jacksonville’s natural landscapes and waterways, just as it has for the past 25 years.
Why is litter harmful to the St. Johns River?
While most people take the time to dispose of their garbage properly and recycle, it is shocking how much litter finds its way to the river. Most aquatic litter originated on land, where either wind or rain dumped it into nearby creeks, rivers and lakes. With numerous tributaries entering the river, and a nearly 9,000 square mile watershed with an ever-increasing population, the St. Johns collects litter from a wide variety of nearby waterways.
Recent cleanup reports have cited disconcerting quantities of cigarette butts, plastic bottles, cans, and styrofoam close to or in the river and its tributaries. Litter causes harm to marine species, which can accidentally ingest or become entangled in debris.
The St. Johns River Report recognizes plastic debris as an emerging threat in aquatic environments that can contaminate our seafood, degrade water quality and threaten our health.
Reducing litter around Jacksonville’s waterways is a sure way to improve the quality of all that our river has to offer!
How can you help?
Awareness is key. Whether it’s your backyard, street, or school, always keep an eye out for trash pollution in your community and hold yourself accountable for litter prevention and control. Also be sure to connect with residents beyond your own community, as it will take hands across Jacksonville to make a difference. St. Johns Riverkeeper hosts regular cleanups you can join around Jacksonville.
You can visit the COJ campaign’s website to sign the official “Keep Jax Cute, Don’t Pollute” pledge, submit waste collection requests, register a cleanup event, or download a mobile app to stay informed on the city’s trash and recycling pickup schedules. Find more information on how you can become a River Friendly resident here.
Duval Middle and High School Students – Enter the River Reels: Trash Talk Video Contest
SJRK just launched the River Reels: Trash Talk Video Contest.
All Duval County Middle and High School students are invited to create a short (one minute or less) video that raises awareness about the impacts of trash and the importance of reducing waste, disposing of it properly, and protecting our river and local waterways!
Submissions are due September 30, 2025. Learn more about the contest here!