Trash Cleanups

Our Clean Waterways cleanups engage volunteers to help clear the Anacostia of harmful litter throughout the watershed.

We at Anacostia Riverkeeper have been hosting volunteer cleanups throughout the watershed for over a decade. Our Clean Waterways trash cleanups are one of our cornerstone projects. Cleanups help remove harmful litter like plastics and foam from the Anacostia while engaging the community to take ownership of their river and streams. Help us work towards a trash free Anacostia by volunteering at one of our cleanups!

Want to know when the next cleanup is?

Take a look below at the cleanups calendar, or at the full calendar under the Events tab.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on our most recent cleanups, trash stats from past cleanups, and all things trash policy throughout the watershed.
Follow us on social media for updates on all of our events.

Upcoming Public Cleanups

Host a Cleanup

Are you looking to host or sponsor a Clean Waterways cleanup for your organization’s day of service or community building event? You can submit a request for a public or private cleanup through the form below.

What do I need to know?

General Information

Our trash cleanups take place throughout the watershed either at known trash hotspots or volunteer/sponsor chosen locations. We provide all necessary equipment and supplies (gloves, grabbers, etc) at each cleanup to ensure all participants’ safety. Riverkeeper led Clean Waterways cleanups are free to attend; however, prior registration is encouraged as some sites may have capacity limits.

All participants are required to sign an electronic Anacostia Riverkeeper Liability Waiver. Liability waivers will be linked in the Eventbrite event for the cleanup.

Cleanup locations vary throughout the watershed and are unique to that specific event. Frequent locations for cleanups include Anacostia Park, Pope Branch Park, Buzzard Point, Kingman Island, and other sites in the watershed.

For any questions about cleanups specifics email [email protected]

Where are your cleanups?

Cleanup locations can vary throughout the watershed and are unique to that specific cleanup. Frequent locations for cleanups include Anacostia Park, Pope Branch Park, Buzzard Point, Kingman Island, and other sites in the watershed.

If you would like to sponsor a cleanup or host a cleanup at a specific location in your community contact [email protected].

Corporate Cleanups

Looking for a corporate event or service project? Come help us clean the Anacostia! We offer special corporate cleanups for business and organizations throughout the watershed. These are great opportunities for team building, service, and to give back to your local community.

Prices are variable as cleanup price depends on the size of the cleanup, location, number of staff needed, etc.

To book a cleanup for your business or organization fill out the form linked above or contact [email protected].