Renew Our Rivers

DIY Cleanup Guide

October 3, 2011 by Doug Powell

Here is a recap of our online guide to Do-It-Yourself Renew Our Rivers cleanups:

Additionally, you can download the PDF version of How to Organize and Conduct a Waterway Cleanup and distribute it however you’d like. Just be sure to let us know about the cleanups you’re involved in!

DIY: Duration and Record-Keeping

October 1, 2011 by Doug Powell

Part of our series on Do-It-Yourself Cleanups

Duration of cleanup

Cleanups should generally be in the morning hours, if possible. This is especially true during warmer months.

If the cleanup begins at 8 a.m., it should end at noon. A picnic lunch following the event is always well-received. This helps make the cleanup a social event, and it may become an annual event.

In some cases, volunteers may wish to work all day. This may depend on what items are being picked up. However, do not burn out your volunteers! Remember, they are volunteers and donate their own time and money to help this cause.

Record keeping

Record the number of volunteers and poundage collected. This information allows you to keep a record of the cleanups for comparison, publicity and other factors.

A signup sheet with contact information is a good way to communicate future cleanups to your volunteers.