A cleanup does not need a big organization. A few neighbours, some gloves and bags, and a plan for the waste are enough to get started. This guide covers how to organize a neighbourhood or shoreline cleanup in Metro Vancouver, using the City of Vancouver's program and the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup (formerly the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup) instructions, and what to do with the waste afterwards.
Pick the type of cleanup
- A shoreline cleanup is run through the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup program, where you register your cleanup with Ocean Wise.
- A neighbourhood cleanup covers streets, lanes, parks and green spaces. In Vancouver, the City runs the Neighbourhood Cleanup Party program.
You can register with both. The City of Vancouver says registering with its program is in addition to your Ocean Wise registration and does not add steps to the cleanup itself.
City of Vancouver's Neighbourhood Cleanup Party
According to the instructions the City provided to Ocean Wise, the Neighbourhood Cleanup Party program supports individual and community cleanup initiatives. Registered participants get free basic cleanup supplies, equipment on loan and help with removing the waste they collect.
To register, use the City's apply-to-host-a-cleanup page, call 604-871-6443 or email cleanup@vancouver.ca. The City says it requires at least 7 business days' notice for any equipment or garbage requests.
Check the rules for the site
For Vancouver parks and beaches, the City lists tents, amplified music, alcohol, and signs or banners among the things not allowed unless your permit covers them, and says it currently needs 4 months lead time for new special events. For other cities, contact the municipality or park authority that manages the site before you plan anything.
Safety first
- Wear gloves and sturdy shoes, and bring first aid supplies.
- Do not pick up needles. The City says to call Coastal Health's Needle Hotline at 604-657-6561.
- For other sharps and large abandoned items, call 311 or use the Van311 app for pickup, according to the City.
- Pay attention to catch basins. The City notes that catch basins are one way litter reaches local waterways, and it runs an Adopt a Catch Basin program.
Plan for the waste
The City's simplest advice is to take your post cleanup garbage home and include it with your home waste pickup, or use existing litter containers in parks. If that is not possible, you can arrange garbage pickup with the City when you register.
Sort what you can. Never put hazardous items in a household cart or a bin. Paint, propane, tires, fuel and electronics never go in a Trash King bin, and our what not to put in a bin page has the full list.
When the cleanup is on private property
A yard, lot or shared property with a lot of debris is different from a shoreline. If you are clearing a large private property, a bin may be the practical option.
The usual starting point for junk, cleanouts and renos is the 20-yard. More is on the 20-yard bin page. A 15-yard junk bin is at times available, but it is commonly sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. Other smaller sizes? Ask when you book. Trash King drops off the bin and takes it away afterward. You fill it. If the job looks larger when you call, we may suggest a larger bin.
No permit is needed for a bin on private property, like your driveway or yard. A street, boulevard or lane spot is different, since some cities need a permit for it. Confirm with your City before you book. Strata or HOA rules may still apply on top of that. If yours does, apply with the City, and we set delivery for any permit dates.
Need to get rid of a mattress or box spring? It can go in as an add on for an extra fee. Mention it when you book.
Our disposal bins page explains how bins work for different jobs.
A plain plan
- Pick the location and date.
- Check the site rules with the City or park authority.
- Register with Ocean Wise for a shoreline, or with the City for a neighbourhood cleanup.
- Recruit volunteers and share the safety rules.
- Arrange waste pickup before the day.
- Collect, sort and clean up.
FAQ
Do I need to register with the City? In Vancouver, the Neighbourhood Cleanup Party program provides supplies and waste pickup. Registration also needs at least 7 business days' notice.
Who do I call about needles? The City says to call Coastal Health's Needle Hotline at 604-657-6561.
Where does the garbage go? The City suggests taking it home or using park litter containers, or arranging pickup when you register.
Can I use a bin? For private property debris, yes. The 20-yard is the common start.