Litter Clean-up Safety Tips

Your Safety Matters ...
Thank you for helping to Keep Manassas Beautiful!

Your safety is important to us. That's why all volunteers are provided with the items that they need for collection.


Here's what you will receive:
litter pickingPlease make sure you have what you need before you do your clean-up.

  • Hi-Visibility Vests
  • Gloves (not latex)
  • Litter pickers
  • Pool rakes (for stream clean-ups)
  • Brightly colored trash bags


Timing is everything ...

  • Check the weather report before you head out the door. Bad weather can turn paper and other litter into a slippery mess.
  • Park vehicles in a safe and legal parking area that does not obstruct traffic.
  • Schedule your litter clean-up during daytime hours when the traffic is relatively light.

Dress for the job ...

  • Always wear sturdy work or garden gloves during a clean-up and wash your hands afterward.
  • Be prepared to encounter poisonous weeds like poison ivy or sumac – which can cause nasty skin irritations.
  • Put Hi-Visibility vests on BEFORE you start collecting and always face traffic as you work so that drivers can see you - and you can see them.
  • Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, socks, and sturdy boots or shoes (NO SANDALS.)

Work as a team ...
kmb volunteers 2017

  • Always designate a leader to keep track of volunteers and clean-up details.
  • Avoid horse-play, during your clean-up, to ensure your safety and that of others. 
  • Provide at least one adult supervisor for every group of six young people under eighteen years of age.

Cleaning Trails and Streams ...
park cleanup

  • Always work in pairs.
  • Apply insect repellent before entering wooded areas or working near water.
  • Do not step into high vegetation and stay alert. These areas are home to poisonous plants as well as snakes and other wildlife.


Avoid dangerous or unsafe litter ...

Dangerous or unsafe litter includes razor blades, syringes, hazardous household products, dead animals, condoms, all unlabeled jugs, bottles, and drums. Make a note of the location and contact the City of Manassas on (703) 257-8256. We will work together with the City of Manassas Environmental Task Force to investigate and resolve the incident as soon as possible.

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