Safety Tips for Community Cleanups
Please read through these safety tips before starting a cleanup activity!

Individuals DO
• Wear gloves and thick soled, closed toed shoes.
• Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts.
• Wear sunscreen and bug repellent as needed.
• Drink plenty of fluids and keep “quick energy foods” on hand if cleanups last multiple hours.
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards associated with
   them (i.e. passing cars, poison ivy, steep banks, standing water).
• Use the “buddy system” and work in teams of two or three to
   maximize safety.
• Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap after the cleanup.
• Bag all litter in approved garbage bags and yard waste in approved
   containers/bags.
• Take an occasional break.
• Wear safety vests if working near a street or road.

Individuals DO NOT
• Do not pick up hazardous materials such as hypodermic needles,
   sharp objects, old car batteries, condoms, animal carcasses or
   other unidentified, questionable objects. Show the group leader
   the “problem” material for safe removal and disposal.
• Do not overfill or compact trash bags because of the danger of
   injuries from broken or jagged objects. Fill bags with what goes
   in easily, and continue with a new bag.
• Do not attempt to move large objects by yourself. Seek help and
   show the group leader the heavy object for safe removal and
   disposal.
• Do not walk out on a road to pick up trash.

Group Leaders DO
• Be aware of all known allergies of volunteers before participation.
• Know emergency procedures and how to quickly summon the police
   or an ambulance. If possible, have someone trained in CPR and/or
   first aid on hand.
• Have a first aid kit and a cellular phone on hand.
• Provide adequate adult supervision if you involve students/youth
   groups in litter clean ups. Take into consideration their ages and
   abilities.
• Reconvene every hour to make sure that all participants are
   accounted for, safe and enjoying the clean up if working at a large
   site or in a heavily wooded area.
• Try to arrange the cleanup dates before the area will be mowed to
   avoid picking up “shredded” litter.
• Keep pre-moistened towelettes on hand.
• Arrange a “thank you” party for all of the volunteers after the
   cleanup.

Group Leaders DO NOT
• Do not schedule cleanups during peak pedestrian or traffic hours.
• Do not conduct cleanups during inclement weather.
• Do not conduct cleanups near or around construction sites or
   heavy traffic areas.

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