Keeping the Woonasquatucket River Litter-Free!

When it rains in the Woonasquatucket River Watershed, it’s like Mother Nature turns on a giant broom—sweeping everything in her path straight into the river. Unfortunately, that includes trash, fertilizers, and oil, which cause all kinds of problems for the river, its wildlife, and even us.

Trash in the river doesn’t just look bad; it’s a serious hazard. Fish, birds, and other critters can get tangled in plastic waste or mistake it for food. Consuming plastic fills their stomachs without providing nutrients, leaving them malnourished. And it’s not just wildlife that suffers—trash impacts water quality and diminishes the beauty of our community’s parks and trails.

But don’t worry, there’s hope!

A Cleaner River Starts on Land

At the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), our River Rangers are out every week, pulling tires, plastic bags, cups, and even mattresses from the river and the Greenway. We also host community cleanup events where volunteers pitch in to help restore our parks and waterways.

Still, as much as we love rolling up our sleeves, removing litter isn’t enough. To tackle this problem at its source, we’ve partnered with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the Litter-Free RI Campaign to spread awareness and provide tools for proper waste management.

Whether it’s a stray bottle or a bulky mattress, let’s team up to keep our trash where it belongs—out of the river and in the right place.

Got Trash? Here’s How to Handle It

We get it—disposing of bulky or unusual items can feel tricky. Luckily, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about managing waste in the Providence area:

How Do I Get Rid of a Mattress?

  • Drop-off: Bring your unbagged mattress and box springs to the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 700 Allens Avenue on Saturdays, 7 AM–12:45 PM. (Valid Providence ID required; limit two items.)
  • Curbside Pickup: Bag your mattress (bags available at hardware stores or DPW) and call Waste Management at 1-800-972-4545 at least 48 hours before your trash pickup day.

What About Large Items?

  • For furniture and large appliances, schedule a pickup by filling out this form or calling 1-800-972-4545 at least 48 hours ahead.
  • Keep furniture dry and clean—cover it in plastic if needed.

How Do I Dispose of Tires or Paint?

  • Tires: Bring them to the RI Resource Recovery small vehicle area ($8 per tire).
  • Paint and other hazardous waste: Call RI Resource Recovery Corporation at 401-942-1430 to schedule a drop-off.

Need to Replace a Broken Bin?

Fill out the Public Works Bin Replacement Form.

Curious About Composting or Recycling?

Join the Movement for a Litter-Free Woonasquatucket!

Small steps can lead to big change. By properly managing waste, joining a cleanup event, or even taking the Litter-Free RI pledge, you’re helping keep the Woonasquatucket River clean and thriving.

Need Help or Have Questions?

  • Missed Trash Pickup: 1-800-972-4545
  • Bulk Item & Mattress Pickup: 1-800-972-4545
  • Free Mattress Drop-off Info: 401-680-7500
  • Visit Litter-Free RI for more resources!

Together, we can keep the Woonasquatucket River clean, healthy, and beautiful—for the wildlife who call it home and for our community to enjoy. 🌿