Amidst chilly 40-degree temperatures with wind chills dipping below freezing, our team of 25 dedicated Transportation Technologies volunteers from the Intertek San Antonio facility showcased remarkable determination at the annual community Basura Bash on February 17th. This is San Antonio's premier one-day, all-volunteer event dedicated to cleaning up the banks of San Antonio-area waterways. 

Since its inception in 1994, Basura Bash has evolved significantly, now incorporating recycling of plastics, paper, bottles, tires, and even E-waste. Offering a choice of 25 different tributaries for cleanup, our Intertek Automotive Research Team proudly selected Zarzamora Creek which runs adjacent to our office and affirmed our commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of our neighborhood. Our dedicated volunteers began their assessments of the creek about a month prior, ensuring we were well-prepared for the task ahead!

This year's event saw more than 1,500 volunteers come together to make a significant impact. Among the items collected were the expected – such as plenty of plastic shopping bags – and the unexpected, including the largest item – the bed of a Ford pick-up truck! 

As we look back on this year's Basura Bash, we're reminded of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together for a common purpose. A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for braving the cold and making this year's event a success. Together, we're not just cleaning our watershed; we're preserving our community for future generations!