Self-Guided Neighborhood Cleanup
Can’t make it to one of our in-person creek cleanup sites, but still want to join the effort? Trash can travel through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become marine debris. Pollution prevention starts at our front doors. Do an independent self-guided neighborhood cleanup and help be the solution to water pollution!
Be a community scientist by logging all of the trash that you find with the data collection app Clean Swell®. The amount and type of trash collected is used to inform legislation surrounding plastic pollution and to support policies already in place.
Thank you for making a difference in your community and helping our ocean! Show us your cleanup by sharing posts and photos on social media via volunteer@valleywater.org to tell us about your experience and share photos.
- Contact us at volunteer@valleywater.org with your cleanup plans.
- Download Clean Swell® app, available for iOS and Android.
- Create an account. Note: you will need WiFi or data in order to do this. (View screenshot)
- Click “Start cleanup.” (View screenshot.) You will be asked for the date, number of people, group name, and type of cleanup (land or water). Enter “CCAG” under group name, and add a custom name afterwards if you would like to track yourself or your team’s data (e.g. CCAG – ○○ Green Club). Unless you are on a boat or other watercraft, you should choose “land.” (View screenshot)
- Clean your neighborhood, park, or other local area. Clean Swell can be used anywhere and anytime. Click on each icon once to add it to your trash count. (View screenshot.) If you are cleaning with a group, we recommend designating one person to collect data. You can correct a wrong entry by switching to “Remove Item” at the bottom of the screen. When finished, click “Done collecting.” (View screenshot)
- Confirm details of your cleanup, then click “Submit data.” (View screenshot.)
Please follow the most recent guidance from Santa Clara County Public Health. In addition, the CCAG recommends the following practices for cleaning up litter and other debris:
Preparation:
- If you are sick in any way, DO NOT go out for a cleanup.
- Assemble your cleanup gear. This should include some trash bags, gloves, face mask, a trash grabber or tongs (if available). Be sure to bring water, use sun protection, and wear close-toed shoes.
- Download the free Clean Swell app to keep track of what you pick up and how many people participated with you.
- Please check the air quality in your area before your cleanup. If the air quality is unhealthy, please do not go out for a cleanup.
During your cleanup:
- In parks and natural areas, follow all posted signage, stay on trails, and limit activities to areas open to the public.
- If you clean up near a waterway or bay, be mindful of the condition and follow all signage. Do not enter fenced areas or private property.
- There are no county mandates for social distancing or using a face covering outdoors, but it is still recommended to use a face covering to protect from dust and dirt.
- ALWAYS wear gloves. Dispose or wash them immediately after the cleanup.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Do not pick up sharp objects, especially syringes!
- Don’t pick up anything too heavy or anything that you will not be able to fit into your home trash bin.
- Keep a safe distance from all wildlife! Do not pick up or disturb natural objects, such as leaves, nests, or eggs.
- Do not enter any encampments, or disturb any personal property at encampments. Make sure to stay at least 10 yards (30 feet) away from any encampments, where possible.
- Avoid over-exertion, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. When in doubt, take a break or turn in early!
After your cleanup:
- Dispose of trash in your home trash and recycle bins.
- Wash or dispose of gloves immediately after your cleanup.
- Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible, and use hand sanitizer in the meantime if soap and water are unavailable.