Looking to make a difference in your community? Organizing a litter cleanup group is a great way to act and inspire others to make sure Nobody Trashes Tennessee. Follow the simple steps below to start your own cleanup group and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Step 1: Pick a Location

Identify an area that needs attention, such as a local park, roadside, neighborhood, or waterway. When considering a location, ensure it is safe and accessible for volunteers. Also, be sure the spot you choose is spacious enough for everyone to work comfortably. If the location is near a road, make sure to implement proper safety measures, such as using high-visibility vests and traffic cones when necessary. If you need suggestions, consider contacting your local TDOT litter grant partners and affiliates for help finding areas that need cleaning up.

Step 2: Gather Friends, Family, or Volunteers

A cleanup is more effective and more fun when you do it together. Rally your friends, family, coworkers, or local organizations to join your effort. You can even offer volunteer hours for students who need them for school requirements, scholarship applications, or extracurricular programs. Spreading the word through social media, community bulletins, and local organizations is a great way to attract more volunteers. The more hands, the bigger the impact!

Step 3: Get Supplies

Before heading out, make sure you gather all the essential cleanup supplies you need, including:

• Gloves
• Trash bags
• Safety vests
• Litter pickers
• Water and hand sanitizer
• First aid kit

Check out our Organize a Cleanup page for a list of essential supplies and safety tips to ensure a smooth and successful event. A little preparation goes a long way in making your cleanup effective and enjoyable!

Step 4: Look for Partner Support

Consider contacting local organizations, such as local litter grantees, Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB), and other Tennessee affiliates, for valuable support for your cleanup event. These groups may offer guidance, volunteers, promotional assistance, or even free supplies to help make your event a success. Partnering with these organizations can also enhance your event’s visibility and credibility. Don’t forget to contact your local waste management companies or find community drop-off sites to ensure you have a place to dispose of the collected litter when you are finished. 

Step 5: Add Your Event to Our Event Calendar

Make it official! Set a date for your cleanup and register it on our Event Calendar to make it easier for others to join your efforts. This statewide resource helps connect people looking for ways to get involved with community cleanup opportunities. Listing your events will increase their visibility and encourage more participation.

Step 6: Pick Up Litter

Now, it’s time to act! Head to your chosen location and start removing litter. To keep the cleanup organized and efficient, divide the volunteers into teams and assign specific tasks to each group. Prioritize safety by handling sharp objects carefully and avoiding hazardous materials. If you encounter dangerous items such as medical waste, chemicals, or weapons, please notify the authorities instead of attempting to handle them yourself. When you’re done, take a moment to acknowledge everyone’s efforts and celebrate the positive impact you have made on the environment.

Extra Credit:

• Share Your Efforts! Celebrate your hard work by posting photos on social media and tagging #NobodyTrashesTennessee and @myTDOT. Sharing not only showcases your efforts but also encourages others to get involved and take action in their own communities.

• Join Trash Masters Rewards! Take your impact even further by joining Trash Masters Rewards. You can earn points for every cleanup you complete and earn even more points by starting an affiliate group or adopting a highway! You can boost your points even further by starting an affiliate group or adopting a highway. When you create your own cleanup group and register for the program, you’ll receive a unique 4-digit PIN to share with your volunteers after securing TDOT approval for your event on the Events Calendar. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem your points for cool, exclusive Nobody Trashes Tennessee swag, like t-shirts, water bottles, and more!

Be Part of the Solution

Organizing a litter cleanup group is a simple yet powerful way to make a lasting impact. By rallying volunteers and collaborating with local partners and organizations, you can play a significant role in preserving the natural beauty of our state.