Record number of volunteers took part in 2022 Plateau Pickup

Roadside litter got kicked to the curb on Saturday as crews from across the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau marched their way along roadsides picking up trash as part of the 2022 Plateau Pickup sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

A record number of volunteers, 130 total, took part in the litter sweep.

The day began at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, where volunteers were able to grab their safety vests, gloves and trash bags. A light breakfast was served to all who participated as they received their route assignments.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our project partners and the record-number of volunteers – groups, families and individuals – who spent a gorgeous Saturday in the mountains collecting garbage discarded along our roadways,” Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan said. “We treasure our beautiful mountains and charming town, and it is wonderful to see the area clean and green as a result of this community effort.”

Following a brief safety meeting, volunteers fanned out across the plateau. Routes covered most of the area inside Town of Highlands limits as well as sections of NC 28, NC 106 and US 64. Everything from typical bottles, cans and fast-food wrappers to a wayward loose tire and a mattress were picked up during the litter collection event.

Additional volunteers drove trucks along the pickup routes and collected hundreds of full trash bags placed by the curb for transport to Macon County Solid Waste’s Highlands Transfer Station on Rich Gap Road. The trash collected weighed a combined total of 15 tons.

Organizations that provided support to make the event possible included Town of Highlands, Highlands Police Department, N.C. Department of Transportation, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

The Highlands Chamber/Visit Highlands, NC provided two meals for the volunteers – breakfast from Calder’s Coffee Café and lunch from Secret Garden Market. As a token of appreciation, volunteers received a complimentary t-shirt.

For more information about future Chamber events, visit highlandschamber.org.

- By Ryan Hanchett