Seven tons of trash.

That’s what was removed from the Saco River last year during the Saco Salmon Restoration Alliance’s annual Saco River Trash Drive.

Among the items were numerous tires, wood debris such as wooden pallets and pieces of docks, cans and bottles, furniture, rolled up carpets, even a drive shaft from a car, according to Saco Salmon Restoration Alliance President Rick LaRiviere.

“It’s terrible. It’s just really a lack of respect for the environment,” said LaRiviere. “This is your drinking water.”

Since 2015, the annual Saco River Trash Drive has collected more than 12 tons of trash and debris from 20 miles of river between Bar Mills Dam in Buxton to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Alliance is once again hosting a trash drive. This year the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 9, in conjunction with Maine Landowner Appreciation Day. The territory of the drive will be expanded this year to extend out to the West Buxton Dam.

Volunteers are needed to clean on foot along river banks and in the river in kayaks or canoes. Support staff is also needed for tasks that include off loading debris.

Those interested in helping out are asked to sign up at www.sacosalmon.com.

“We really need for people to pre-register. It helps with the planning,” said LaRiviere.

There has been growing interest in the event since its inception, and last year more than 80 volunteers lent a hand to help clean the river. Interest is high again this year, and LaRiviere is hoping for another good turnout.

“We’re really thankful for the community, all of those affiliated with our trash drives would like to convey their thanks to the area businesses who have contributed resources to the trash drives. We very much appreciate their generosity and support,” said LaRiviere.

The Saco River begins in New Hampshire and runs down to the Atlantic Ocean. It is the fourth biggest river in Maine and supplies drinking water to roughly 250,000 people in 35 towns, according to information from the University of New England.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].