| If
You’re Stuck On Organizing the Event:
1. Choose a site to do the cleanup
We encourage you to pick a “public” area. Suggestions include:
Roadsides Parks
School Property Church Property
Vacant Lots Shopping Centers
Neighborhoods Illegal Dumpsite
The site you choose should be a low-volume traffic area and a short
traveling distance for participants. Remember to pick your spot (size and
difficulty) according to the ages of your help as well. Make sure to
receive permission from any land owners if your site is in a questionable
area or may draw attention. Also, note location of the nearest phone and
restroom facilities.
2. Choose the Date and Time
Make it convenient for you and
your volunteers. Do not schedule it into dusk hours. If you don’t want
to clean under severe weather conditions, schedule a rain date as well.
The duration will depend upon size of area and amount of litter/debris
present.
3. Recruit Your Help
Make sure to have adequate
adult supervision for youth group cleanups. Post flyers announcing your
event (we can provide). Make it worthwhile for them to want to help.
Your Cleanup Event
(before the actual day)
1. Generate Publicity
Publicity will not only give your
volunteers deserved recognition, but the community will become more aware
of the importance of litter cleanups as a civic responsibility. We
suggest...
-One to two weeks prior to your cleanup, write or call your local
newspaper to request coverage. If you believe your event is TV-worthy,
contact them as well. Inform them of the date, time, location, name of
your group and the number of volunteers who are participating.
-After your event, use the enclosed sample news release and submit it
to your local newspaper. Include photographs.
Your Cleanup Event (the
actual day)
2. Safety Do’s
 | Wear gloves, long pants, sleeved shirts and thick-soled, closed
shoes. (Wear safety vests or bright colors for roadside cleanups.) |
| Use bug repellent and sunscreen if needed. |
| Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards (passing
vehicles, poison ivy, ravines, sharp objects) |
| Work in teams of two or three for maximum safety |
| Drink plenty of water. Bring snacks if needed. |
| Keep pre-moistened towelettes on hand and wash hands with
antibacterial soap after the cleanup. |
Group Leader:
| Be aware of all known allergies of volunteers. |
| Know emergency procedures and have a first aid kit on hand. |
| Bring a cell phone and/or other communication devices. |
| Provide adequate adult supervision if you involve youth groups. |
| Do a head-count before and after the cleanup. |
| Plan a “thank you” party at a later date to distribute thank
you gifts after the cleanup. |
3. Safety Don’ts
| Don’t pick up hazardous materials, such as hypodermic needles,
sharp objects, old car batteries, animal carcasses or other
questionable objects. Contact the proper authorities if needed. |
| Don’t overstuff bags. |
| If you cannot move a large object, note it’s location and inform
Montgomery County Solid Waste District or whomever is collecting your
bags. |
| Don’t bring pets to the event. |
| Don’t overdo it. |
| Don’t allow children to participate in cleanups near major traffic
corridors. |
4. Don’t Forget About Recycling
Cans and bottles are common items found at littered sites.
We encourage you to collect these separately and recycle them. There are
numerous locations throughout the county, in addition to many curbside
programs, that collect aluminum, glass, plastic and steel. Please call
225-4999 if you need further recycling information.
What About the Trash?
1. Check with site owner/manager
If your cleanup is at a public site already serviced by a
dumpster or other trash collection method, you may be able to get
permission to dispose of the bags there. If you generate a small amount
and feel comfortable about it, dispose the bags with your own trash.
2. Make arrangements with Montgomery County Solid Waste District
Vouchers are available for participants who do not meet the
criteria above for disposal of cleanup areas. With a validated voucher,
waste will be accepted at no cost at both the North and South Solid Waste
District Facilities (Moraine and Vandalia). Participants of large volume
cleanups can request complimentary pickup at those sites by our staff.
Please call 496-6797 for more
information. |