A community clean-up is just the thing you and your family need if you’re looking for a fun project that’s good for your neighborhood, local park, or other public greenspace. While various institutions and services in your town or city certainly handle waste collection and disposal, a community clean-up has its advantages. Residents, especially kids, get firsthand experience contributing to the beauty and safety of their surroundings while understanding what makes these spaces so special. But before you get out there with your trash grabber and waste disposal bag, review the following steps on how to safely conduct a community clean-up.
Getting Organized
A community clean-up doesn’t sound like a big deal. You just gather up everyone, get out there, and pick up trash, right? That’s true, but the more you organize it, the more successful it will be. First, check out the place you want to clean up. Assess the situation. How large is the area? How many volunteers will you need to cover it? Where can people park? What will you do if it rains? Also, check local laws and ordinances to ensure you’re not breaking any rules by being there.
Plan Ahead
You know where you’re going and when. Now, decide on your plan of attack. Picking up trash isn’t a complex process, but when you’re working with a large group, it’s wise to plan. Create a checklist of what you want to accomplish. Determine the supplies you need: number of trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, shovels, and the like. Figure out if you can leave trash at a site disposal facility or need to rent a dumpster and how you will sort recyclable items. Also, decide what to do if you encounter dangerous waste. Hazardous waste requires professional and special handling. Since you’ll be working alongside your and possibly your neighbor’s kids, you must consider their individual needs. What are their allergies? Are there any scheduling conflicts? How long will they clean, and how often will they need rest breaks?
Supply Lines
Every endeavor has a financial element. You can make do by bringing your supplies if it’s just you and your kids. Try to secure sponsorships for a larger group. Ask your governmental representatives and local merchants if they can donate necessary items like trash bags, gloves, protective gear, and so forth in exchange for promoting them through printed t-shirts, signage, and the like. You can also ask people to bring their supplies, but you’ll get more volunteers if you provide the tools yourself. And keep little hands safe by providing appropriately sized tools!
Have Fun
Don’t forget to keep things fun when considering how to safely conduct a community clean-up. Provide water, insect repellent, and sunscreen to protect volunteers from the elements. Throw an on-site party with food and drinks when the clean-up is complete so everyone can enjoy their newly cleaned space. Give awards for “Most Trash Collected” and similar accomplishments. And, obviously, make sure you gather up any trash afterward!
