(April 29, 2025) Free reusable totes will be available to market shoppers at the Freight House and QC Farmers Markets as part of an ongoing regional effort to reduce litter and pollution in our parks, streets, streams, and rivers. The bags will be distributed starting on opening day at both markets: Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The "Trash Travels" totes feature educational messages about how to protect our waterways. They were paid for in the final phase of a Marine Litter grant from the Commission of Environmental Cooperation in partnership with the EPA that began in 2022.

"It's great that we can use the totes not just as a tool but as a source of education," said Rachel Evans, Communication Coordinator with the Waste Commission of Scott County. "The educational aspect of the totes is a key part of this initiative to raise awareness and encourage participation in the fight against litter and plastic pollution."

The City of Davenport, Waste Commission of Scott County, Rock Island Waste Management, and other regional cities and stakeholders are excited to partner with the Freight House and QC Farmers Markets for this initiative to promote and empower people to reduce waste and plastic pollution.

"This project started with a pilot litter trap installation on our creeks, litter surveys, and public input sessions that led to the development of the Quad Cities Action Plan on Plastic Pollution," said Robbin Dunn, Davenport Public Works Communications and
Preparedness Manager. "It is great to see this grant come full circle with a far-reaching and actionable outcome."

The bags will be available at both markets while supplies last.

The community can find more information on this initiative and ways to get involved at https://xstreamcleanup.org/takeaction.