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“FREE” Piles Are Not Free for the Environment

This cleanup focused on one major issue: the “FREE” piles scattered all over McKinleyville. After a night of rain, these piles—filled with soaked books, couches, clothing, and other discarded items—became nothing more than soggy trash. Let’s be clear: a “FREE” pile left on the curb is not generosity—it’s illegal dumping.

If you’re looking to part ways with items, please take the responsible route. Hold a garage sale, donate to one of our many local thrift stores, or use Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Leaving stuff on the side of the road shifts the burden to your neighbors, volunteers, and our natural spaces.

We’ve picked up items from these piles that ended up in abandoned camps and our outdoor areas. Animals tear them apart, ingest harmful materials, and the weather ruins what might have been usable. Plus, it creates an eyesore for everyone in the community.

Thank you to the amazing volunteers who came out to help clean up. Want to join us? Check out our cleanup calendar for details about our weekly efforts.

If you’re interested in supporting our weekly cleanups, please consider donating raffle prizes such as gift cards or items with a value of around $10-$20. Contact us at pacoutgreenteam@gmail.com to learn more.

Support the people, organizations and businesses that protect our beautiful open spaces!

Cleanup Details:  

• Volunteers: 21 people
• Raffle Winners: 2
• Weight: 2500 lbs trash (estimated) 
• Time: 90 Minute Trash Bash
• Sponsors/Collaborators: Scott Binder, Los Bagels, and Ultimate Yogurt