Trash Pick-Up

volunteer collecting litter

Help protect wildlife and waterways by volunteering to pick up litter in Fort Collins. Start in your neighborhood and join the effort to pick up single-use plastics and other trash to help keep our parks and natural areas pristine.

Step 1: Decide Who's Helping and Where To Go

Find a spot to pick up litter using this interactive map. Start in your neighborhood to stop litter before it gets to the river!

City-owned open spaces like parks and natural areas help keep Fort Collins beautiful. In some areas, volunteers cannot pick up trash. Look closely at the map and choose a "green area" before heading out.

Tips and tricks: Check out fence lines, alleyways and ditches. The best times to go out are after trash days and windy days.

Picking up in Natural Areas?

Get your free Natural Areas permit! A natural area is a beautiful place to spend a day and an even better place to keep clean. If you plan to bring a group of 15 people or more to a Fort Collins Natural Area, you need a permit so that staff can help prepare the area.

 

Step 2: Watch the Safety Video

Watch the entire video below to learn how to stay safe.

Safety Note: Wash your gloves and hands with hot water and soap after picking up trash. Do not touch exposed skin with your gloves. Use hand sanitizer after picking up trash and before logging data on the app.

What do I do if I come across unsafe items?

Please report to Access Fort Collins or call:

 

Step 3: Gather Supplies

Get your supplies ready. Grab gardening gloves, closed-toe shoes and a trash bag. Consider using a grabber tool as well.

What should I bring?

  • sturdy garden gloves
  • thick-soled, closed-toe shoes
  • hat
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • bug repellent
  • reusable water bottle
  • light snack
  • trash bag — dispose of your trash properly
  • trash grabber
  • hand sanitizer