Community cleanup planner

Before the day

• Pick a location and time (low tide for beaches, daylight hours)Choose public land or get permission from the owner or local authority.
• Check the weather and tide tablesCancel or reschedule for storms, extreme heat or high surf.
• Tell the city or park about your planThey may lend equipment, collect the bags and advise on hazards.
• Recruit friends, family or neighboursGroups of 5-20 are easy to manage. Invite local clubs and schools.
• Set up a sign-up list and share meeting detailsInclude time, place, what to wear and what to bring.
• Plan waste disposalAgree where full bags go and how recyclables will be separated.

Supplies

• Reusable gloves for everyone (work or garden gloves)Thicker gloves protect hands from sharp edges.
• Sturdy trash bags and a separate bag for recyclablesUse strong bags; do not overfill them (heavy bags tear and hurt backs).
• Litter pickers / grabber toolsReduce bending and keep hands away from hazards.
• Buckets for small itemsGreat for cigarette butts, bottle caps and micro-plastics.
• First-aid kitBandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and a way to call for help.
• Water, sunscreen, hats and snacksStay hydrated and sun-safe.
• Hand sanitiser or wash stationClean up before eating.
• Sharps container (for adult use only)Only if the organiser is trained; otherwise report needles to the authorities.
• Scale or tally sheet and pensTrack bags and weight to show the impact (and report to community databases).
• Camera or phone for photosPhotograph the before and after (avoid showing faces without permission).

Safety briefing

• Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothingSturdy boots on rough ground.
• Do not touch needles, broken glass in large amounts, chemicals, dead animals or unknown containersMark the spot and report it to local authorities.
• Stay away from water edges, slopes and trafficChildren must be supervised at all times by an adult.
• Use the buddy system and agree a meeting pointCount heads at the start and end.
• Lift with your legs; do not carry heavy loads aloneUse two people for bulky items.
• Respect wildlife and habitatsLeave nests, driftwood homes and dune plants alone.

On the day

• Welcome everyone and explain the safety rulesTake 5 minutes: the plan, the zones and the finish time.
• Divide the area into zones with team leadersMake sure every zone has a bag-and-tool kit.
• Sort recyclables as you goGlass, metal, plastic and general waste if your area can process them.
• Take a break and drink waterRotate tasks to avoid fatigue.
• Weigh or count what you collectedRecord top items: cigarette butts, plastic bottles, wrappers and fishing gear.

After the cleanup

• Dispose of waste as agreedConfirm with the city or recycling depot.
• Wash hands and toolsWash reusable gloves and equipment.
• Thank volunteers and share the resultsPost photos and numbers (without personal details).
• Report data to a citizen-science projectMany ocean and river organisations collect litter data to support policy.
• Plan the next oneA regular schedule (monthly or seasonal) builds community.