Volunteers removed about a ton of trash from Lake Mitchell during Saturday’s fall clean up.

About 85 people braved chilly temperatures to collect the debris, which included hundreds of bottles, Styrofoam, cans, buckets and other garbage.

Lake Mitchell Homeowners and Boat Owners Association Director Steve Miles said the event was a success.

“The people in Chilton County do a good job of turning out and keeping the lake clean,” said Miles. “This makes a difference.”

Miles said the clean up makes a difference because less garbage is being collected during the annual event. In past years, volunteers have removed three of four tons of trash.

The cleanup was held Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. until noon at Higgins Ferry Park. A picnic lunch was provided for keeping volunteers.

The event is sponsored by HOBO and is part of Alabama Power’s Renew our Rivers campaign.

More than 90 percent of the garbage picked up this year came from the water, Miles said.

The work isn’t over yet though — a spring cleanup will be held in March.

For more information, contact HOBO president Anita Lawson at 960-5083 or Miles at 755-6432.