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Volunteers Pull Several Tons Of Trash From Rivers

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A teddy bear, car parts and more than one mattress were among the items found by volunteers cleaning up local rivers this weekend.

Saturday morning, more than 150 people in several counties helped clean up the river as part of the 25th Annual River Sweep.

Volunteers pulled junk and trash from the Ohio River from 12 clean-up sites in Allegheny, Armstrong and Fayette counties.

Organizers say more than 12 tons of trash was pulled from the rivers – including nearly 50 tires.

"We are making an impact on our area waterways by picked up trash, debris and tires," Pennsylvania River Sweep Coordinator Betsy Mallison said. "The high water and inclement weather reduced our volunteers numbers today, however whether we pick up one bag or 100 tons of trash, we are making a difference in our waterways and raising awareness of our precious natural resources."

Last year, 32 tons of trash was recovered by volunteers from the Allegheny, Ohio and Mon rivers.

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