July 14 2014
THE FIRST CLEAN UP
Glen Ford and Josh McLean decide to pick up trash on a Sunday evening along Broad Street using trash bags and $1 grabbers.
August 2014
OPERATION CLEAN CITY
Regular cleanups start on Saturday and Sunday mornings under the name Operation Clean City. The first blue buckets are purchased and logos are created.
2015
CIGARETTE BUTT RECEPETACLES
OCC commissioned local artists to paint cigarette butt receptacles in an attempt to control litter. 5 were made and put outside of Nacho Mamas, Stillwater Tap Room, Vintage Ooolee ,and The Book Tavern.
2015-16
FIRST HEADQUARTERS
In 2015, OCC HQ was established at the old location for The Book Tavern in the JB Whites building.
In 2016 OCC moved HQ to the old Artus location at 988 Broad St.
2017
THIRD HEADQUARTERS & GROWTH
OCC moved into it’s current location outside of Tire City Potters and also had inspired cleanups in Miami, Dayton, Tacoma,and Baltimore.
2017
WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
OCC first marketing campaign spread awareness throughout downtown asking a simple question.
April 2018
THE LAST STRAW
Yes, we even tried to save the turtles! OCC launched a month-long campaign that challenged bars and restaurants downtown to stop handing out straws to customers and to use eco-friendly straws when asked.
2018
RECOGNITION AND NEW FACES
Operation Clean City officially Broad Street as part of the “Adopts-A-Spot” program. Pete and Kate Dailey, Aaron White, Sarah Ponce, and Grace Dumond became OCC Cleanup Leads.
2019
OCC CONCERTS AND TALKIN’ TRASH
OCC: Concert Series debuts showcasing local music talent in various locations throughout Augusta.
The web series Talkin’ Trash debuts with OCC Cleanup Leads interviewing local personalities while picking up trash on the streets of Augusta. Aaron
2019
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD + CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP
OCC won the Distinguished Service Award at the 2019 Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Awards. Glen Ford leaves role as main lead. Gabriel Passen takes over.
2020
COVID
Cleanups are canceled for 3 months and then resumed following social distance guidelines. Elena Rager and Jen Lewellen joined as Cleanup Leads.
Cleanups change from Saturday and Sunday to Sunday only.
2021-NOW
BROAD STREET IS FINALLY CLEAN
The City of Augusta established a dedicated cleanup crew for Broad Street. called ACE. Unfortunately, OCC lost its main cleanup route and now dedicates its efforts to the side streets of Jones, Reynolds, Greene, Ellis, and Telfair.
The Raccoon logo is introduced, which perfectly symbolizes OCC volunteers’ love for going through the trash.
OCC’S FUTURE
What’s next?