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

Ensure that you do the following:

  • 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 repellant
  • 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
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 you come across the following items, do not touch them and report to 311:

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

 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:

Have a plan for potential emergencies that could arise. 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.

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

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
  • Leave bags in an area accessible by vehicle and contact 311 with the location

Ensure cleanliness once you have completed your litter pick up.

Be sure to:

  • When using a litter grabber; disinfect it thoroughly
  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Ensure that affected clothing is cleaned or laundered

Allow us to recognize your contributions to a clean and safe Edmonton.

Report your litter pickup:

It is your responsibility to use your litter pick up kit safely and responsibly. If you have questions, email capitalcitycleanup@edmonton.ca for additional information.

Have fun and thank you for helping keep our city clean!