What to bring for a cleanup day

A cleanup day needs more than litter pickers and bin bags. You will also need a clear way to register people, divide routes, protect volunteers and keep collected waste separate until pickup. Plan equipment by team, then prepare refreshments and power at the starting point. This checklist covers the practical purchases and supplies behind a smooth cleanup day, including items that are often arranged too late, such as waste disposal, route maps and charged batteries.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer table setsqty 4
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone

Sports equipment

Litter pickersqty 25
Knee padsqty 10
Work glovesqty 35
Bucketsqty 12
Broom setsqty 6
Scoopsqty 6
Rakesqty 6
Rubble bag holdersqty 12
Waste scalesqty 2
Route mapsqty 30

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 20
Reflective vestsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Tweezersqty 4
Trash grabbersqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6
Rechargeable batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable mugsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6
Scissorsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Ice packsqty 20
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Bread basketsqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Towelsqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Decorations

Route sign standsqty 8
Information boardsqty 4
Clipboardsqty 6
Markersqty 12
Waterproof markersqty 8
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Rope rollsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee pastries - 60 pieces
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Crispbread - 6 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Boiled eggs - 60 pcs
- Hummus wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken salad - 2 kilo
- Tuna salad - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 50 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber cleaning gloves - 6 pairs

Tips

Plan one complete tool set for each cleanup team, including litter pickers, gloves, buckets and a way to collect waste. Add a few spare pairs of gloves and tools before shopping so one missing item does not delay a route.
Prepare safety equipment before the event day: one reflective vest per participant working near roads, plus safety goggles and access to a first aid kit. Keep tweezers available for splinters or small embedded debris.
Separate waste collection from general rubbish disposal. Arrange bins, rubble bag holders and waste scales in advance, and confirm the collection point and pickup time before volunteers arrive.
Pack the registration and route materials together. Print one route map per team, prepare the participant list, and keep a megaphone or another way to give instructions at the starting location.
Stock the refreshment point for the full group rather than only the first hour. Fill coolers before arrival, provide reusable cups, and check kettles, coffee machines, extension cords and power strips before setup.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a cleanup day?: Plan for four groups of supplies: collection tools, safety gear, waste handling, and refreshments. The core list includes litter pickers, work gloves, buckets, brooms, rakes, reflective vests, first aid kits, waste bins, coolers and reusable cups.
How many litter pickers and pairs of gloves do I need per person?: Provide one litter picker and one pair of work gloves per active participant, then add at least 10% spare equipment. For 30 participants, that means 33 litter pickers and 33 pairs of gloves.
When should I arrange waste collection for a cleanup day?: Confirm waste disposal and the collection time at least 7 days before the cleanup. This gives you time to check permits, prepare rubble bag holders and adjust the route or storage point if needed.
How much water and coffee should I bring for volunteers?: Allow around 0.5 to 0.75 litres of water per person for a short cleanup, with more in warm weather. For coffee, plan one cup per person plus 10% extra, and prepare the coolers and coffee equipment before registration opens.

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