Volunteer for Alabama Coastal Cleanup

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Volunteers will swamp Alabama's coastlines Saturday looking to put a pest in its place.

They said they're going after litterbugs, hoping to take the trash out of the splash.

They said one spot in Mobile is the worst.

Melvin Smith said when it comes to strumming his guitar he picks a spot that inspires him, and the Causeway is one of his favorites.

"I ride along sometimes and just feel musical, and I say that's a nice spot to just sit and learn new chords and reminisce," said Smith as he strummed his guitar.  

But even Melvin, who has trouble seeing, can see trash is threatening to ruin his serene setting.

Organizers of the 25th Annual Coastal Alabama Cleanup said he's right.

Philip Hinesley the Coastal Section Chief of the state lands division said the Causeway is overrun with litter bugs. 

"The Causeway is usually one of our most problem areas. This is one of our largest sites, and usually volunteers will fill up at least a 40 yard roll-off container from all the debris," said Hinesley.

Hinesley said under the bridge near the USS Alabama Battleship is a real problem area.

Plastic bottles, fishing lines and Styrofoam are scattered about.

Hinesley said most of the trash you will find here did not come from the water. He said it came from the people who used this spot to fish and then left their trash behind.

Which not only looks bad, but is bad for the environment said Hinesley.

Emmett Jackson fishes along the causeway and said it's a shame.

"We need to keep it clean," said Jackson. "The people that come out here and fish should clean it up. No one should have to come out here and clean up after us."

Fellow fishermen Kenneth Terry said he hauls his catch and trash away.

"Oh yes, I put it in the back of my truck because it is the right thing to do,"  said Terry.

And that is music to Melvin's ears.

"Wonderful thing to do to make this place even better," said Smith.

The 25th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup is Saturday.

In its 25 years cleaning up the coast, more than 60,000 volunteers have removed 1,169,844 pounds of trash.

For more information please call (251)-621-1216