What you need for a canal cleanup campaign

A canal cleanup needs more than litter pickers and bin bags. You need enough protective gear for every volunteer, a clear system for sorting waste, and equipment for items that are floating, heavy or difficult to reach. Plan drinking water and refreshments for the whole group, plus lighting and communication equipment if the work starts early or finishes late. Use the list below to shop and collect supplies before participants arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 30
Party tentqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Coffee mugsqty 30
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Pitcherqty 4
Thermosqty 4
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
Headlampsqty 10

Safety

Work glovesqty 35
Safety vestsqty 35
Safety gogglesqty 20
First aid kitqty 2
Life ringsqty 2
Barrier tapeqty 4

Sports equipment

Litter pickersqty 25
Landing netsqty 12
Bucketsqty 12

Waste

Waste binsqty 6
Sorting cratesqty 12
Waste scalesqty 2
Tarpaulinsqty 4

Catering

Water dispensersqty 2
Groceries
- Still mineral water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Slices of mild cheese - 2 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 2 packs
- Butter - 2 packs
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Stroopwafels - 3 packs
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Provide one pair of work gloves and one safety vest per volunteer, plus a small spare supply for damaged or forgotten gear. Safety goggles are useful when volunteers handle wet, sharp or splintered waste.
Set up separate waste bins or sorting crates before the cleanup starts. Place them on tarpaulins near the collection point so leaking water and mud do not spread across the site.
Bring one litter picker per person where possible, and add landing nets and buckets for rubbish in or beside the canal. Test the handles and nets before the campaign rather than discovering broken equipment on the day.
Plan at least one water dispenser and enough reusable cups for the full group. For a four-hour session, allow roughly 1.5 to 2 litres of drinking water per volunteer, with extra on warm days.
Check lighting and communication equipment at least one day beforehand. Charge walkie-talkies, LED work lights and headlamps, and pack extension cords only where they can be used safely away from wet ground.

Frequently asked questions

How many work gloves do I need for a canal cleanup?: Plan one pair per registered volunteer, plus 10% extra for replacements. For 30 volunteers, prepare at least 33 pairs so damaged or missing gloves do not delay the start.
How much drinking water should I buy for a canal cleanup?: Allow about 1.5 to 2 litres per volunteer for a four-hour cleanup. For 30 people, that means 45 to 60 litres, with more available if the weather is warm or the route has limited access to water.
What safety equipment is needed for canal cleaning?: Prepare work gloves and safety vests for everyone, with safety goggles available for handling sharp or dirty waste. Keep a first aid kit and life rings at the work area, and use barrier tape to mark risk zones before volunteers begin.
When should I prepare the cleanup supplies?: Reserve or collect specialist equipment at least one week before the campaign. Check quantities, wash reusable tableware and charge lighting and walkie-talkies no later than the day before.

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