Litter Pick-Up Day Checklist

A litter pick-up day runs smoothly when the route, permissions and waste collection are arranged before volunteers arrive. Start by recording the date and route, confirming the vaccination-site permission, and choosing clear meeting points. Then handle registrations, route maps, safety instructions and supplies before setting up tents, tables and the registration desk. On the day, assign teams, explain the route, monitor safety and check that collected waste enters the right streams.

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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

Record date and route
2 people
Arrange Permission for the Vaccination Site
Determine meeting points
2 people
Arrange waste collection
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Print route maps
Prepare safety instructions
2 people
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Check pinning materials
2 people
Sort route maps
Mark waste zones
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Prepare the registration desk
2 people
Set up tables and tents
4 people
Set out pinning materials
3 people
Place waste containers
3 people
Set up catering
3 people

Event

Staff the registration desk
2 people
Give welcome instructions
2 people
Assign poke teams
3 people
Supervise crowd control rounds
6 people
Check waste streams
3 people
Replace full bags
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Handle breaks and snacks
3 people
Weigh and record waste
2 people
Close the meeting point
3 people
Serve the meal
4 people
Clear away dishes
3 people
Take waste to storage
4 people

Aftercare

Collect materials
4 people
Take down tents and tables
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Empty waste containers
3 people
Clean reusable materials
3 people
Store leftovers in the fridge
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Have waste removed
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Litter pickersqty 30
Hand trucksqty 4
Digital scalesqty 2
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Eye-catchersqty 4
Work glovesqty 60
Handwashing stationsqty 2

Safety

Safety vestsqty 30
Safety gogglesqty 30
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 6

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Route arrowsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 4

Office

Clipboardsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Route mapsqty 60
Attendance formsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60

Kitchen

Food warmersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the route and meeting points before sending invitations. Print enough route maps for each team, plus a few spare copies for late registrations or damaged maps.
Arrange waste collection before the event date, including the number and placement of waste bins. Decide how full containers will be moved and where each waste stream will go.
Prepare safety materials at least one day ahead. Sort work gloves, safety vests, goggles, first aid kits and handwashing stations so volunteers do not wait at registration.
Set up the registration desk before the first arrival with attendance forms, clipboards, pens and route maps. Keep a separate process for late registrations instead of interrupting the welcome briefing.
Allow time for a final waste-stream check after the last teams return. Weighing or recording collected waste is easier when bins, digital scales and collection staff are ready in one place.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a litter pick-up day?: Start planning at least 3 to 4 weeks before the event. Use that time to confirm the route and permission, arrange waste collection, invite volunteers and order or check safety equipment.
How many route maps do I need for a litter pick-up day?: Prepare one map for every assigned team and add around 10% spare copies. For 10 teams, print 11 maps so a late volunteer or damaged copy does not delay the briefing.
What safety equipment is needed for a litter pick-up day?: Provide work gloves, safety vests, safety goggles, handwashing stations and access to a first aid kit. Check the equipment the day before, and keep at least one responsible person available for safety questions during the rounds.
When should waste collection be arranged for a litter pick-up day?: Confirm it at least 1 to 2 weeks before the event, then reconfirm the collection time and waste streams a few days beforehand. On the day, place the bins before teams leave and check the sorting at the end.

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.