Before You Begin
- Check the weather and do not work when weather is threatening your safety; roads should be dry and visibility should be clear
- Only work during daylight hours
- Wear appropriate attire, this includes light-colored clothing, hats, gloves, and heavy leather shoes or work boots
- Protect yourself, put on sunscreen or a long-sleeved shirt and insect repellent
- Assign teams and leaders
- Be safe, bring a first aid kit, water and cell phones
- Review safety precautions every time you go out
- Carpool to eliminate the amount of vehicles on the side of the road; if you do drive, park on the side of the road where you are picking up litter
While you work
- Wear a high-visibility safety vest; motorists need to be able to see you
- Use the provided bags for picking up litter
- Face traffic while you work and be alert for approaching traffic
- Stay in your group
- Use cell phones to communicate among work groups
- Drink water and take breaks
- Do not crush bags filled with trash; broken or sharp objects could cause injury
- Do not carry bag on or over your shoulder
- Secure the bags by tying the ends
- Leave bags behind curb or road shoulder for pick-up; do not place bags in street
- Recycle materials collected when possible
- Be aware noxious weeds such as poison ivy
Stay away from
- Constructions sites
- Mowing activities
- Open water
- Bridges, overpasses or retaining walls
- Areas where chemicals were recently applied