Organize a Cleanup

Contributing to the Clean Earth Challenge is easy!

Follow our handy steps to safely collect trash and debris. It can be as simple as picking up trash while walking your dog or helping to organize and participate in a large-scale cleanup. Every action helps and when we work together, the impact is big!

Collection Tips

Collect in accessible areas

If you’re on a neighborhood walk or cleaning up on a day at the beach, make sure the areas you clean are safe and accessible. Avoid any unsafe circumstances or obstacles.

Bring helpful materials

Depending on how much you think you’ll collect, you might bring along a garbage bag, a picker and gloves to protect your hands. Garden gloves work great, or you can use plastic gloves.

Avoid unsafe items

Do not pick up any trash items that make you feel uncomfortable like glass, needles, sharp objects or PPE like masks.

Dispose responsibly

Dispose of trash and recyclable items responsibly. If items can’t be thrown in the trash (batteries, paint or any hazardous items), consult local city services for special handling and drop off instructions.

How to Organize

Whether it’s a cleanup with a small group of friends or a large-scale community event, our Cleanup Toolkit provides everything you need to get started! You’ll find planning, prep and safety information, a handy checklist and ready-to-go graphics for email, posters and social media to get the word out and inspire people to sign up for your cleanup event!

Toolkit & Social Media Assets

Come clean for earth and use our handy materials! You’ll find comprehensive information and tips to help organize solo, small, or large-scale cleanup efforts. Good luck on your collection journey!

Toolkit English

Toolkit Spanish

Poster

Social

Name Badge

TShirt

K-12 Toolkit & Curriculum Guides

For K-12 participation, we’ve provided a comprehensive toolkit and various curriculum guides for classroom instruction and discussion. Go young conservationists!