On your mark, get set, Dash! On Saturday, October 20, 2012, College of Charleston student teams will grab a cart, garbage bags, and gloves and dash into downtown Charleston to participate in the annual litter-collecting scavenger hunt, Dash for Trash. The teams will meet at Liberty Square at 9 a.m. and will return at noon for judging.

Teams of ten will scour the city for cigarette butts, used batteries, old hub caps and even dog litter to rack up points. Each type of litter has a different point value. The student teams that show the most spirit, collect the most recyclables and accumulate the most over all points will win prizes.

Dash for Trash is an award-winning annual event that is co-sponsored by the College of Charleston Center for Civic Engagement and the City of Charleston’s Keep Charleston Beautiful. Dash for Trash gives students the opportunity to help clean up downtown Charleston while enjoying some friendly competition with other students. Dash for Trash is aimed at preventing future littering through increased awareness of Charleston’s anti-litter laws.

The City of Charleston’s Keep Charleston Beautiful is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. They are dedicated to promoting the cleanliness and beautification of the City of Charleston through education, public awareness, and community involvement.  Founded in 1977, Keep Charleston Beautiful works with local schools, businesses, and organizations to educate the community on the importance of preventing litter and being responsible for your waste.

For more information about Dash for Trash or to sign up to participate, please contact Lauren Spinella at spinellal@cofc.edu.