Free Volunteer Workshops
Our free cleanup workshops will equip you with all the knowledge and tools you need to lead a successful trash cleanup in your community, neighborhood or park.
Do you want to see a Trash Cleanup Site Leader training in your neighborhood, at your school, or in your community? Let’s make it happen! Contact us.
Everything You Need To Make A Cleanup Happen
Step 1: Make Sure You Have Permission (And Plan for Trash Pickup!)
Please contact your jurisdiction to acquire permission to be on the land at your chosen cleanup location. You may also ask your jurisdiction to pick up trash and recycling after your event. Below are Potomac Cleanup partners to contact in order to obtain permission and guidance on trash removal for your cleanup location. If your location is not listed, try reaching out to your local parks system or public works staff. Remember, the Cleanup Leader is responsible for coordinating trash pick up.
Helpful Hints for Trash Pickup
- Usually, the person who gives permission to be on the land will also be able to assist in trash pick up.
- Local businesses, churches, schools, etc. may donate the use of their dumpsters. Contact them prior to the event.
- Divide the Cleanup bags among volunteers and have them put the trash & recyclables out with curbside pick up.
- Call your local landfill to ask for a dumping waiver. They are usually very happy to provide a waiver for you to properly dispose of the trash for free.
- If you have large amounts of trash that would call for a dumpster, oftentimes your local waste removal company will be glad to donate a dumpster for the day, delivered and picked up!
- If you have any questions about trash disposal, PLEASE call us! We are happy to connect you with the right people. It is very important that you confirm trash pick up for your site. Thank you!
Potomac Cleanup Partners
Maryland
If your cleanup event is in Charles County please contact Michelle Smith: Phone: 301-932-9038 x 4616, Email:smithmi@charlescountymd.gov. Cleanup kits provided (bags, gloves, safety vest, grabbers). Trash bag pickup service available. For more information click here.
If your cleanup event is in Montgomery County Parks please contact Valeria Espinoza: Phone: 301-495-1302, Email: volunteercleanups@montgomeryparks.org. Trash bins and pick-up included. Cleanup kits provided (bags, gloves).
If your cleanup event is in Prince George’s County please contact Udoma Ohiri: Phone: 301-883-5829, Email: ucohiri@co.pg.md.us or contact Alfred Titus-Glover: Phone; 301-883-7164, Email: ATitus-Glover@co.pg.md.us. Dumpsters and trash bag pickup available. Cleanup kits provided (bags, gloves, safety vest, grabbers).
If your cleanup event is in the City of Greenbelt please contact Kevin Driscoll: Phone: 240-542-2168, Email: kdriscoll@greenbeltmd.gov
If your cleanup event is in Frederick County please contact Suzanne Cliber: Phone: 301-600-7414, Email: SCliber@FrederickCountyMD.gov
If your cleanup event is in the City of Frederick please contact Lauren Paulet: Phone: 301-600-2843, Email: lpaulet@cityoffrederick.com or contact Jenny Willoughby: Phone:301-600-2843, Email: jwilloughby@cityoffrederickmd.gov. Trash bag pick-up available. Clean up kits provided (bags, gloves, safety vest, grabbers) For more information click here.
If your cleanup event is in the Anne Arundel please contact Sally Albright: Phone; 410-222-0136, Email; pwalbr00@aacounty.org. Trash bins and pick-up available. Cleanup kits provided (bags, safety vests, grabbers) For more information click here.
If you are interested in a cleanup event in Baltimore County visit this website for more information.
Virginia
If you are registering a cleanup in Fairfax County Parks please contact Julie Tahan: Phone: 703-324-8740, Email: Julie.Tahan@fairfaxcounty.gov. Clean-up kits provided (bags, gloves,). For more information click here.
If you are registering a cleanup outside of Fairfax County Parks please contact Clean Fairfax Council: Phone: 571-338-6710, Email: cfc@cleanfairfax.org. Clean up Kits provided, Click HERE for details.
If you are registering a cleanup in Prince William County please contact Veronica Tangiri Phone: 571-379-7514, Email: waterquality@pwswcd.org
If you are registering a cleanup in Alexandria, please contact Nolan Compton: Phone: 703-859-6252, Email: nolan.compton@alexandria.gov or contact Gavin Pellitteri: Phone: 703-746-4071, Email: gavin.pellitteri@alexandriava.gov. Trash bag pick-up available. Cleanup kits provided (bags, gloves, safety vest). For more information click here.
If you are registering a cleanup in Arlington, please contact Lyndell Core: Phone: 703-228-6523, Email: Lcore@arlingtonva.us or contact Michael Simmons: Phone: 703-228-7748.
Washington DC
If you are registering a cleanup in the District of Columbia please contact District of Columbia Department of Public Works Phone: 202-535-2600. If you need extra supplies and approval go through Helping Hands who can be reached at 202-645-7190.
Pennsylvania
If you are interested in registering a cleanup in Pennsylvania (Somerset, Fulton, Bedford, Franklin or Adams counties) please contact Michelle Dunn at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org. or go to www.keeppabeautiful.org/keep-pennsylvania-beautiful-clean-it/
Step 2. Register Your Cleanup on the Map
- Log In or register.
Log in to your Alice Ferguson Foundation Community Volunteer account, or sign up here. - Create your cleanup event
You can create your cleanup event from your account dashboard, or by clicking here. - Make sure everything looks right
You can view all your events on your dashboard here. - Share with other volunteers!
Invite your friends, family or coworkers to join you in making a difference this cleanup season.
Step 3. Collect Supplies
Several of our partners do have supplies, please check out Potomac Cleanup Partners above to see if there are cleanup kits available.
Finally, consider posting your clean-up event to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s clean-up site to help promote your event and gain more volunteers. The Alliance also has supplies (trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers) available to pick up in locations in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Annapolis, Easton, Washington D.C., Richmond, VA, and Lancaster, PA. Confirm what supplies you’ll need and how many when you register your event here.
Step 4. Log Data
Once you have completed your cleanup event it is time to log your data with the AFF Datasheet Submission form. This can be found in the “Cleanup Resources” link within your log-in account. By logging your data you are helping to support the widespread efforts of the Potomac Cleanup.
Download the Trash Cleanup Leader Guide
We’ve made all the resources you need to organize your own cleanup available below and in this easy-to-download free guide.
Cleanup Event Leader Resources & Downloadables
Click below to download volunteer waivers, guidebook, talking points and a sign-in sheet for your cleanup.
Map of Cleanup Events
What started as a few cleanup events along the Potomac River is now a regional event spanning Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Help us make a difference.