What is a Clean Up?

A clean up is an activity planned to make a difference in your neighborhood by increasing the waste disposal, recycling, or green spaces available in the neighborhood. Each neighborhood has its own needs and the type of clean up and clean up scope will differ by the needs of the area. Clean ups are a great way to increase neighborhood pride, promote neighborliness, and to introduce people to the neighborhood association and other activities you do.  Clean Ups can be used as fundraisers, community service events, or can be combined with other events.

Background on Clean Ups

Neighbors West Northwest receives $7811 from a contract with the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development to fund clean up activities.  To view the contract and restrictions on funding click here.  This money is split into 12 (the number of neighborhoods we serve) and the resulting amount is made available to each neighborhood.  In years past several neighborhoods have decided to forgo this funding, so in March of each year, after we’ve heard from the neighborhoods that are planning spring clean ups we make additional funds available.  Neighborhood clean ups are also eligible to receive Metro vouchers that cover costs associated with the weights of trash generated at an event aka the tipping fees.  Click here to request a voucher.

If you have ever participated in a neighborhood clean up you know all the hard work that goes into planning these events.  From booking haulers, to finding volunteers coordinating a clean up event is a difficult endeavor, it can be more painful than a trip to the dentist.  This section is intended to make planning and running a neighborhood clean up into an enjoyable, successful event.  The resources provided herein will instruct you in all facets of a neighborhood clean up but are not intended to limit your creativity in planning an event to benefit your community.

Downloadable Handouts (PDF):

• Organizing a Neighborhood Clean Up
• Neighborhood Clean-Up Checklist
• Creativity in Your Neighborhood Clean Up
• Recycling
• Reusable Items at Neighborhood Clean Ups
• Stakeholders
• Volunteer Recruitment
• Ways to Stretch Your Funding Dollars

For more information on neighborhod clean-ups, contact Neighborhood Clean-Up Program Coordinator, Alison Wallisch.