Organize a Community Clean-Up

How to Organize a Community Clean-Up Event

Big or small, a community clean-up is a great way to support your community. A community clean up helps to stop illegal dumping and keeps our region's lands and waters healthy and clean.

Before the Event

• Contact the landowner to receive permission to do the clean-up.
• Conduct a site survey to identify potential hazards and types of materials. 
• Contact RDN Solid Waste Services to have your tipping fees waived.

Day of the Event

• Orientate volunteers to the clean up site, specifically the hazards such as sharps and biological materials. 
• Whenever possible, separate recyclables like metal, wood or yard and garden waste from garbage for easy drop-off.
• Haul the sorted materials to the pre-arranged RDN Disposal Facility - Ask the scalehouse for the final tonnage to know how much you collected. 
• Take pictures of your efforts, share them on social media and tag the #RDN

Community Clean-Up Safety

General Guidelines

• Stick to a defined clean up location.
• Have a set work period, including check-ins at regular intervals and a check-in at the end of work shift. 
• Work in pairs.If working alone, volunteers should have access to an electronic device for communication, such as a phone, radio or personal alarm. 
• Ensure minors are supervised by adults.
• Watch for vehicles and walk facing traffic.
• Avoid the use of headphones.
• Use safe lifting practices for heavier items.
• Establish a muster point where first aid kits and emergency numbers should be located for easy access for everyone. 

Hazards to Consider

• Busy roads or excessive traffic.
• Fast flowing or deep water.
• Steep banks, drops, and large holes.
• Metal, wood waste, and yard/garden waste.
• Bulky and heavy objects.
• Broken glass and other sharp objects.
• Animal carcasses, excessive animal waste.
• Syringes and drug paraphernalia.
• Hazardous waste: Contact the RDN for safe disposal. 

Basic Supplies for a Safe Clean Up

• First Aid Kit
• Garbage Bags
• Cut-resistant gloves
• High-visibility safety vests
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Sturdy closed-toed shoes (no sandals)
• Garbage pickers and/or shovels
• Vehicle for hauling clean up materials
• Rigid container(s) for sharps and other hazardous items

Waiving Tipping Fees

The RDN wants to support your community clean up by providing free disposal at the Regional Landfill or Church Road Transfer Station. To have your tipping fees waived - apply to the RDN at least five business days before your community clean up with the following details to Phone: 250-390-6560 or Email: zerowaste [at] rdn.bc.ca

• Your Organization's name
• Contact person first and last name
• Contact person phone number
• Contact person email address
• Date of the clean up event
• Location of the clean up event
• Location of material drop off - Regional Landfill or Church Road Transfer Station
• Vehicle description and license plate of the vehicle dropping off the material