GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A local group is turning frustration into action, tackling the growing issue of litter in Grand Junction one Saturday at a time. The Orchard Mesa Litter Busters, a grassroots initiative, has been gathering weekly to clean up trash and improve the community’s appearance.

From a Family Effort to a Community Movement

It all started with Theresa Ricks and her grandson. One day, they were out picking up trash when she realized the task would be much easier—and more effective—if more people joined in. That thought led to the birth of the Orchard Mesa Litter Busters, a group committed to making a difference, one piece of trash at a time.

Just six weeks in, the group has grown steadily. Each Saturday, around 8 to 10 volunteers show up, armed with gloves and trash bags. The impact? Roughly 220 pounds of litter collected per week. In total, they’ve already cleared more than 1,000 pounds of garbage from the streets, sidewalks, and parks of Grand Junction.

A Cleaner Community Means a Safer Community

For Ricks, the mission isn’t just about aesthetics. She believes a cleaner neighborhood is a safer neighborhood.

“There’s just too much trash everywhere. It’s frustrating to see, and I got tired of waiting for someone else to do something about it,” she said.

The group’s work goes beyond simple cleanup. By removing hazardous waste and debris, they reduce environmental risks and improve public safety. Broken glass, sharp metal objects, and discarded plastic often litter public areas, posing dangers to children, pets, and wildlife.

Small Efforts, Big Impact

Ricks emphasizes that even small contributions can lead to significant change.

• “Even an hour a week picking up trash can take so much off our streets,” she said.
• She hopes more people will recognize that simple actions can lead to a cleaner, healthier environment.
• The group’s work is proof that collective effort can make a real difference.

Their weekly cleanups have not only improved the look of the community but have also sparked conversations among residents. People who were once indifferent to littering are now more aware, thanks to the Litter Busters’ presence and persistence.

Businesses Challenged to Step Up

Ricks isn’t stopping at just individual volunteers. She’s calling on local businesses to take responsibility as well.

“Businesses need to pitch in, too. It’s their storefronts, their parking lots—why not help keep them clean?” she said.

By urging businesses to participate, Ricks hopes to create a ripple effect where both individuals and organizations take ownership of their surroundings. Some business owners have already responded positively, offering support in the form of supplies and volunteer hours.

What’s Next for the Orchard Mesa Litter Busters?

The group isn’t slowing down. As word spreads, they hope to grow their numbers and expand their cleanup efforts. Future plans include targeting specific problem areas, working with city officials to place more trash bins in public spaces, and possibly organizing larger community cleanup events.

For now, their goal remains simple: show up every Saturday and leave Grand Junction a little cleaner than they found it.