Organize a community clean-up

What is a Community Clean-Up?

A community clean-up is an event in which friends and neighbours work together to clean up a park, street, ravine, shoreline, pathway, bus stop, or other public space. 

The City of Ottawa has two scheduled “Cleaning the Capital” days, one in the spring and one in the fall. You can register for these activities by calling 3-1-1. 

The City provides volunteers with Cleanup Starter Kits, which include gloves, garbage bags, leaf-and-yard waste bags, project tips and important safety information. Fall Cleaning the Capital magnets and Don’t be a Litterbug stickers are also available as a thank-you to you and your team. 

You can also start a community clean-up on your own at other times during the year. The City of Ottawa offers support throughout the year, and you can request Cleanup Starter Kits and receive information about garbage pick-up and other issues by contacting the city at cleaning@ottawa.ca.

Why should you initiate a community clean-up?

Organizing a community clean-up is not only a great way to make your community a cleaner place, it is also a way to connect with your friends and neighbours and give back to your community. Well-kept neighbourhoods also encourage a feeling a safety for residents and people develop a sense of pride about the place they live. It sets a good example for all generations, and is also a part of a healthy and active lifestyle. 

A community clean-up can be a “quick win” in your neighbourhood as it allows you to see a big difference from your efforts in a short period of time. 

How can you get involved?

All you have to do is pick the area you want to clean-up, gather some friends, neighbours or family members and get to work! 

Remember to practice safety when doing a community clean-up. Wear gloves (good thick ones that are not easily punctured), boots and always supervise children. You can get more safety tips at: 

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/environment/community/fallcleaning/faq_en.html 

Resources

The City of Ottawa has more information on participating in community clean-ups and other environmental activities. Please visit: 

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/environment/community/index_en.html