Litter Clean Up Safety Guidelines

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The City of Edmonton’s Capital City Clean Up believes that keeping our city clean is a shared responsibility. Please review these safety guidelines before participating in any litter pick up activity.

Preparing for Your Litter Pick Up

When preparing to pick up litter, ensure that you:

Dress for the weather and for protection
Wear gloves at all times
Wear sturdy footwear (open toe shoes are not recommended)
Wear eye protection
Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
Charge your cell phone and bring it with you
Be familiar with your clean up area prior to starting
Work with a partner or be sure to let someone know where you are
Follow all public health measures as specified by the Alberta Government

people picking up litter

During Your Litter Pick Up

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Be sure that the weather conditions are safe
Keep a lookout for hazards around you (such as cars, other people)
Do not walk on roadways, steep hills, embankments, wooded areas, or uneven ground
Do not wade into the water to retrieve items
Be aware of people and animals present in the area
Only pick up litter during daylight hours
Do not trespass on private property

If found, report the following to 311:

Sharp items, including needles and broken glass
Syringes or other drug paraphernalia
Hazardous waste
Suspicious items
Heavy and oversized items
Encampments

Be Safe

Avoid injury to yourself by:

Not compressing garbage or reaching into containers with hands or feet
Ensuring that proper lifting techniques are used
Not picking up heavy or oversized items

Have a Plan For Emergencies

Be sure that your emergency contacts are in your phone and that it is fully charged before you start a litter pick up. If you are in an area with limited cellular reception, work with a partner or have another available means of communication.

Always remain calm and take the appropriate action based on your situation.

Live Chat Online, Text (INFO) or Call 211:

If you or someone you encounter are experiencing challenges as a result of poverty, violence, and/or mental illness and require social support assistance.

Call 811:

If you are feeling faint or dizzy
If you have sustained a minor injury like a needle prick, cut, or muscle sprain

Call 911:

If you are experiencing a medical emergency
If you become seriously injured
If you ﬁnd yourself in a dangerous situation

After Your Litter Pick Up

Dispose of Garbage Bags

Ensure the proper disposal of the bags that have been used during your clean up.
Dispose of your garbage bags in one of the following ways:

Place bags in your residential garbage
Place bags in a city garbage can; please do not dispose of any bags in dumpsters
Leave bags in an area accessible by vehicle and contact 311 with the location

Sanitize Properly

Ensure cleanliness once you have completed your litter pick up.
We recommend that you:

Disinfect the litter grabber thoroughly (if used)
Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure that affected clothing is cleaned or laundered

Report Your Litter Pickup

Fill out the 2023 Litter Pick Up Reporting Form
Sign up through Capital City Clean Up Volunteer

Litter Guidelines

If you have questions, email capitalcitycleanup@edmonton.ca for additional information.

For More Information

Capital City Clean Up

If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Telephone	311
TTY	711
Email	capitalcitycleanup@edmonton.ca