Local businesses offer kayakers incentive to pick up trash on the water

Twitter: @Ellie_Romano

Facebook: @Ellie Romano ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Local businesses are trying to keep our waterways clean by encouraging kayakers to pick up trash for discounts.

Providence Kayak rents kayaks out to the public. If a customer comes back with 5 pieces of trash, the company will give them $5 off their next rental.

A similar deal is being offered at REI Boathouse in Lincoln Woods State Park. If a paddler brings back trash, they get a second hour on the water for free with their next rental.

The deals are working– kayakers are actually cleaning the water.

“It’s been awesome, people are coming back with bags and bags of garbage,” said REI Boathouse manager Darren Leo.

“I definitely feel like there’s less garbage out there,” said Providence Kayak co-owner Matthew Haynes.

Haynes said the discount was inspired by his patrons, because they were already bringing trash back at the end of their rental.

“The kayak community in Providence is very mindful of keeping the river clean in general, this just gives them an incentive,” said Haynes.