How to Organize a Neighborhood Cleanup

It is important for people to take pride in their communities. If you have noticed a large amount of trash in your area, you may wish to organize a neighborhood cleanup. This event can bring area residents closer as well as preserve the beauty of your town.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Get people interested. Contact your neighbors and let them know your intentions regarding cleaning up the neighborhood. Keep track of the people that express an interest in helping out.
2. Check with local authorities to find out about any type of neighborhood cleanup programs that you may qualify for. Many municipalities allow free access to dumpsters that are being used in a neighborhood cleanup.
3. Choose the area that you wish to make the drop off location. The place will have to be big enough to accommodate cars and dumpsters. Ideally, you would want to use a school or church parking lot.
4. Decide on the types of trash that will be accepted. You will have to decide on how large the items can be that you will collect and what type of recyclables that you will be able to gather.
5. Organize the volunteers that you have working for you. Some volunteers will be needed to help unload trash into the dumpsters while others can search the streets for trash that needs to be picked up. You will also need people to deliver recyclables to the recycling center.
6. Buy the necessary supplies. You will need trash bags, gloves, signs, drinks and tools for handling the collected trash.
7. Plan to throw a party following the cleanup. You will want to reward your volunteers for all their hard work. A backyard barbecue is a low cost and fun idea.

Tips & Warnings

• Never have volunteers handle any sort of hazardous material while picking up trash.
• Keep a first aid kit handy in case an injury occurs while volunteers are handling the trash.