Red Sands cleaned up weeks after Independence Day celebrations

Just after July the Fourth trash covered the open areas of Red Sands in East El Paso.
Saturday, more than three weeks after Independence Day, the Sheriff’s office, their explorers, and even El Paso off roading clubs came together to pick up bags and bags of trash.

“We’re picking up all the remaining fireworks from the fourth of july, and also on the weekends when people come out here and four wheel, so you have a lot of debris out here,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Adrian Gonzales.

“There was beer cans, and bottles that were broken, which are very dangerous because you can cut yourself on those, also fireworks that hadn’t been lit yet,” said Milena Esparza, a Sheriff Explorer.

Organizers told ABC-7 this is a recurring problem, families will come visit the area to off-road and have fun, but they’ll leave trash behind all year long.

It’s something businesses in the area are hoping to fix soon.

“We’ve got several plans in place right now to put trash cans out throughout desert communities, county roads, and some private areas. To have volunteers go out every week and change these trash bags,” Jamil Moutran, with the Rider’s Safety Office, said.

But until then, here is a quick and friendly tip on how you can keep the area clean when you visit and keep it safe for everyone.

“Bring your own trash bag so you can put your trash in there, not just leave it on the floor. You can put your trash in there and just pick up after yourselves,” explained Alexis Vera, a Sheriff Explorer.

ANything you pack in must be packed out.