Safety Guidelines
Come prepared
- Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and gloves at all times. A grabber or trash claw saves your back and keeps your hands away from sharp objects.
- Dress for the weather, bring water, and use sunscreen.
- Bring a phone in case you need to call for help.
Watch out for traffic
- Stay on the sidewalk and out of the roadway. Never step into traffic to reach litter.
- Wear something bright or reflective if you can, especially near dusk.
- Be extra careful around driveways, bike lanes, and bus stops.
Don't touch hazardous items
Some things are not for volunteers to pick up. If you find any of these, leave them and report them:
- Needles, syringes, or other sharps
- Broken glass you can't safely handle
- Chemicals, paint, motor oil, batteries, or anything leaking
- Anything that looks dangerous or you're unsure about
Report hazards to NYC by calling 311, and see our Trash Guide for how NYC handles hazardous and special waste.
Look after each other
- Children should always be supervised by an adult.
- Work in pairs or groups when you can, and know where the nearest restroom and water are.
- Listen to your body — take breaks, and stop if you feel unwell.
Volunteer acknowledgement
By taking part in a cleanup you find or organize through pickuptrashwithme.com, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. You understand that cleanups involve physical activity near public streets and contact with litter, and that PickUpTrashWithMe does not supervise or control these events.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release PickUpTrashWithMe, its organizers, and volunteers from responsibility for any injury, illness, loss, or damage arising from your participation, and you agree to take reasonable care for your own safety and that of others.
Questions about safety? Email contact@pickuptrashwithme.com.