Organize Your Own River Cleanup
Step 1: Choose the type of cleanup you are interested in hosting
Private Cleanups
Host a small, private cleanup with National River Cleanup.
Public Cleanups
Organize a public cleanup and invite members of your community. Start by registering your public cleanup and requesting free trash bags.
Step 2: Check out our cleanup Tools and Resources
National River Cleanup Handbook
If this is the first time you are hosting a river cleanup, we highly encourage you to read the Handbook. It has everything you need to organize and host a successful cleanup along with some added benefits like direct downloads of forms to print out. Even if you have been hosting cleanups for many years, you may find new and useful tips for your event.
Other Resources
Additional resources on event promotion, waste disposal, scaling up your cleanup and more can be found on this page under Tools for Cleanup Organizers.
Forms to Print
Check out our customizable forms below to help make your cleanup go as smoothly as possible.
- Volunteer Sign-in Sheet
- Liability Waiver (Return Waivers)
- Customizable Press Release
- Sample Safety Speech
Step 3: Host your cleanup
Step 4: Submit your cleanup results
Tools for Cleanup Organizers
Promote
Tools and resources to help you get the word out about your event.
Report Back
Tell us about your cleanup.
Handbook
New to organizing a river cleanup or looking for helpful tips for planning your event this year? Download the step-by-step guide to organizing your cleanup.
Recycle
Not sure if you can recycle that piece of river trash? Use this to see what you can do to keep trash out of your river.
Tally Your Trash
Wondering how much your cleanup haul weighs? Use this guide to get a better estimate and report back!
Scale Up Your Cleanup
Looking to grow your reach and recruit more volunteers? This factsheet will provide some tips and guidance to take your cleanup to the next level.
Waste Disposal Guidance
Tires, scrap metal, and sharps: Volunteers can find a lot of crazy things in the river. Use this guide to find out where is best to bring your unconventional river finds.
Fundraising Resource Guide
Tips and funding sources to help raise the support you need to host a successful cleanup event.
