Renew Our Rivers

DIY: Disposal and Recycling

September 30, 2011 by Doug Powell

Part of our series on Do-It-Yourself Cleanups

Disposal of trash

Proper disposal of the trash is one of the most important factors in having a successful cleanup. Pre-arrange the method of disposal. Contact a waste management company and local landfill prior to the cleanup and have this duty handled long before the event.

Recycling

If you desire to recycle, let the volunteers know before the cleanup so they can separate as they pick up the trash. Separation during initial pickup is more efficient if you are depending on non-machine separation of the trash.

DIY: Resources and Safety

September 29, 2011 by Doug Powell

Part of our series on Do-It-Yourself Cleanups

Resources:

Once the trash makeup and extent of dispersal are determined, you can decide what type resources are needed with regard to equipment and manpower.

If you have a significant quantity of larger items, you will need larger boats in navigable waterways and more manpower than in areas of the smaller hand-trash. Hoists and lifts may be
necessary to move the larger items.

Always make sure you have adequate manpower and the right equipment before you send volunteers out to a cleanup site. Sending too many volunteers to a site with little trash is just as bad as sending too few volunteers to a site with significantly large quantities of trash. Both are a misuse of resources and can cause volunteers to stop participating.

Providing maps and locations for volunteers to target is a must.

Safety:

Emphasize caution and safety procedures while conducting a cleanup.
Utilize proper lifting techniques.
Wear proper protective gear during the cleanup.
Watch for broken glass, nails in boards, stinging and biting insects, snakes and other creatures that inhabit our waterways.
Do not empty sealed containers into the waterway. They can be properly disposed in the landfill.
Remember, you will be in uneven terrain and water, so move carefully.