Clean-up campaign checklist

A clean-up campaign runs smoothly when the route, volunteers, equipment and waste collection are arranged before the day itself. This checklist takes you from reporting the permit and sending invitations to registering volunteers, distributing materials and collecting full bags. It also covers details that are easy to leave too late, such as dietary requirements, charged communication devices, route maps and separate containers for hazardous waste. Use the tasks in order so teams can start on time and finish without searching for missing supplies.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Report the permit to the municipality
Arrange waste collection
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Set cleaning route
2 people
Assign volunteer groups
Print route maps
Collect materials
3 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Bundling waste materials
2 people
Assemble route packs
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare lunch packages
3 people
Charge phones and walkie-talkies
Check the venue
2 people

Event

Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Place information signs
2 people
Set up waste containers
3 people
Register volunteers
2 people
Give safety instructions
2 people
Distribute materials
3 people
Send out cleaning teams
2 people
Collect waste
25 people
Collect full bags
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Separate hazardous waste
2 people
Weigh and record waste
2 people
Take waste to the collection point
4 people
Serve lunch and fruit
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Collect lost and found items
Collect materials
4 people

Aftercare

Clean materials
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Leave the venue clean
5 people
Return materials
2 people
Confirm waste disposal
Return lost and found items
Thank participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 20
Transport cratesqty 8
Tarpsqty 2

Equipment

Litter pickersqty 25
Broomsqty 6
Scoopsqty 4
Hand trucksqty 4
Weighing scale
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Power banksqty 2
Charging cablesqty 4
Clipboardsqty 4
Safety vestsqty 30
Waste binsqty 6
Hazardous waste binsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 6
Work glovesqty 30
Hand brushesqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 3
Drink dispensersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Groceries

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Cooling matsqty 6

First aid

First aid kit

Tips

Report the permit to the municipality and arrange waste collection before inviting people. Confirm where full bags and hazardous waste will go, rather than waiting until the clean-up is finished.
Set the cleaning route before assigning volunteer groups, then print one route map for each team plus a few spare copies. Assemble route packs with the map, instructions and the equipment that group needs.
Charge phones, walkie-talkies and power banks the day before. Test the megaphone and keep charging cables together so communication does not depend on one nearly empty device.
Prepare the volunteer check-in area with tables, chairs, clipboards and safety vests before registration starts. Give the safety briefing before distributing litter pickers, gloves, brooms and other materials.
Prepare lunch packages and chill drinks in advance, allowing time to collect dietary requirements. Use reusable cups, plates and cutlery, and keep water available throughout the clean-up rather than only at lunch.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a clean-up campaign?: Start at least 4 to 6 weeks before the campaign. That gives you time to report the permit, arrange waste collection, send invitations, process registrations and confirm volunteer groups.
How do I organise volunteers for a clean-up campaign?: Assign volunteers to groups after registrations close, then give each group a route, route map and route pack. Register everyone on arrival and complete the safety briefing before teams leave the meeting point.
What equipment is needed for a clean-up campaign?: Plan equipment by team: litter pickers, work gloves, safety vests, bags or containers and route instructions. Also prepare shared items such as hand trucks, weighing scales, walkie-talkies and separate hazardous waste bins.
When should I prepare food and drinks for a clean-up campaign?: Prepare lunch packages and chill drinks on the morning of the campaign, with enough time to finish before volunteers arrive. Collect dietary requirements during registration and keep drinks accessible for the full clean-up period.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.