How to organise a tile removal campaign

A tile removal campaign needs more than volunteers and hand tools. Start by recording the work areas, arranging permission, and booking tile disposal before you invite people. Then plan the disposal route, check access and prepare separate zones for lifting tiles, sorting waste and loosening soil. On the day, barriers, safety equipment, clear instructions and enough wheelbarrows keep the work moving safely. This plan also covers refreshments, tables, tents and the materials needed for the next stage of planting.

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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

1
Record location and work areas
2 people
2
Arrange permission for removing paving stones
3
Reserve tile disposal
4
Book a green supplier
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Check work areas
2 people
9
Determine the route for tile disposal
2 people
10
Send participant information
11
Check tools
2 people
12
Do the shopping
2 people
13
Collect plants and soil
2 people
14
Chill drinks
15
Prepare food
3 people
16
Prepare work materials
3 people
17
Set up tables and tents
4 people
18
Put up the information board
2 people
19
Close off work areas
3 people

Event

20
Receive participants
3 people
21
Give safety instructions
2 people
22
Hand out the tools
3 people
23
Loosen the tiles
10 people
24
Sort and dispose of the tiles
6 people
25
Loosen the soil
6 people
26
Distribute plants and seeds
3 people
27
Plant green beds
10 people
28
Water the green sections
3 people
29
Set out the meal
4 people
30
Serve food and drinks
4 people
31
Refill drinks
2 people
32
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

33
Collect tools
3 people
34
Collect waste and leftover tiles
4 people
35
Take down tables and tents
4 people
36
Clean dishes and utensils
3 people
37
Sweep the venue
3 people
38
Return materials
2 people
39
Have the tiles collected
2 people
40
Water the plants
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Rubber malletsqty 8
Pry barsqty 6
Crowbarsqty 4
Scoopsqty 8
Rakesqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Bucketsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 2
Work lightsqty 4
Speaker

Safety

Work glovesqty 30
Safety gogglesqty 15
Safety vestsqty 12
Ear defendersqty 8
First aid kit

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Pouring jugsqty 6
Groceries

Decorations

Information boardsqty 3
Route arrowsqty 10
Chalkboardsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Garden hosesqty 2

Tips

Book tile disposal before sending invitations. Confirm what can be collected, where the tiles must go and how many wheelbarrow loads the route can handle; a late disposal arrangement can stop the campaign even when the work is finished.
Check the site at least one week before the campaign and mark every work area. Identify narrow access points, uneven ground, cables and places where barriers, tables or tents will reduce the working space.
Prepare the safety briefing before participants arrive. Explain how to use rubber mallets, pry bars and crowbars, require gloves and safety goggles, and keep a first aid kit available at the information point.
Separate tiles from soil as soon as they are lifted. Use clearly marked areas and a planned disposal route so volunteers are not carrying mixed loads back and forth or leaving loose rubble in walkways.
Plan refreshments around the work rhythm, not just the arrival time. Chill drinks, fill coolers and thermos flasks before the start, and set out reusable cups, plates and cutlery where muddy tools will not be placed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a tile removal campaign?: Start at least four weeks ahead. Use the first two weeks for permission, disposal and supplier arrangements, then confirm registrations, dietary requirements, the route and equipment during the final 7 to 10 days.
How do you organise tile disposal during a removal campaign?: Reserve disposal before the work date and decide whether tiles are collected or transported. Mark a temporary sorting point, keep the disposal route clear and check the capacity in wheelbarrow loads at least one week beforehand.
What safety equipment is needed for removing paving tiles?: Provide work gloves, safety goggles and safety vests for every participant, plus ear defenders where noise requires them. Give a short safety briefing before handing out tools, and keep the first aid kit at the information board.
What should volunteers do first when removing paving tiles?: After the work area is closed off and instructions are given, volunteers should loosen the tiles with the available hand tools. Sort and move the tiles before loosening the soil, so the cleared surface stays safe and accessible.

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