http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=5540603

Volunteers Clean Up Border Mess

Oct 14, 2006 05:48 PM PDT


Millie Martinez, KOLD News 13 Reporter

Route 286 received a facelift this morning thanks to dozens of volunteers who cleaned the highway and the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge.

Over the last decade illegal border crosser's have left thousands of trash behind.

Tracey Hamlin a volunteer said, "It needs to be done with all the trash on the highway."

Tons of trash sits along our roads. Old cans, dirty shirts even used deodorant can be found in the grass.

So, much of the trash volunteers are picking up is being thrown out car windows. But, one of the largest problem to tackle is garbage left behind from those crossing the desert illegally.

Adopt-A-Highway Organizer Melissa Owen said, "Also, here in the alto valley we have a lot of problems with illegal's."


According to government officials illegal immigrants drop off between 6 and 8 pounds of waste while crossing the border. Most of it water jugs and back packs, and even though federal and state dollars are being used to alleviate trash problems. Organized efforts keep lands and roads clean.