Saint Paul Litter Programs

Saint Paul Litter Programs

We provide resources for you to help clean up and prevent litter in your neighborhood. Make a difference by reducing pollution and protecting public health. Explore our programs below. Fill out our volunteer application to let us know which programs you're interested in. 

Sign Up to Volunteer

One-Time Litter Cleanup

The One-Time Litter Cleanup program is available to all individuals and groups. You can host a cleanup or participate in one that's scheduled though Saint Paul Garbage & Recycling. Whether you're hosting or participating, we'll provide you with gloves and plastic bags.

How It Works

Plan a Cleanup

To plan your own litter cleanup, decide on:

• Date of your cleanup
• Location of your cleanup
• How many volunteers you'll have

Complete the sign-up form to request supplies (garbage bags, recycling bags, and gloves). You can also request disposal assistance, if needed. We'll respond to all litter cleanup requests to discuss details. 

Volunteer for a Cleanup

Our Public Works department will host four cleanups in 2025, beginning in May:

• May 10: East Side
• July 15 or 16 (TBD): Downtown
• August 16:  Midway and University Corridor
• September 20:  Macalester-Groveland and Highland Park

District Council Cleanups

The City of Saint Paul also partners with District Councils to support litter cleanups. District Councils organize volunteers for cleanups in their areas.  

District Councils who signed up to participate in 2025 include: 

• Greater East Side (District 2)
• North End (District 6)
• West 7th St/Fort Road (District 9)
• Como Park (District 10)
• Hamline Midway (District 11)
• Saint Anthony Park (District 12)
• Union Park (District 13)

If you live in one of these areas, reach out to your District Council to learn when their next cleanup is and how you can participate. You can also reach out to any of the other District Councils, who may be planning other litter cleanup projects.

Find Your District Council

Adopt-a-Block

Partner with neighbors, friends, or colleagues to keep your block litter-free all year! As a bonus, you'll receive a window cling in recognition of your efforts. 

How It Works

• Adopt the block for a minimum of two years.
• Clean the block a minimum of 12 times per year.
• Adopt all four sides of the block, including the alley if there is one.
• Clean the public sidewalks, curbs, boulevards and storm drains, corner-to-corner including the alley.
  • Clean up at storm drains may include removing litter and leaves.
• Place bagged litter in your own trash container. Place leaves or other yard waste in a backyard compost bin or deliver it to a Ramsey County yard waste site.
• If disposal at home or delivery to a yard waste site isn't possible, you may request a pick-up of materials. 

Adopt-a-Container

Have you noticed an area that collects a lot of litter? Volunteer to adopt a garbage container. We'll provide and repair containers at approved locations. 

New containter requests will be reviewed in summer 2025.

How It Works

• Adopt a container for a minimum of two years.
• Supply and maintain plastic bags in the container at all times.
• Keep the surrounding area clear of litter and other refuse.
• Carefully remove filled bags and dispose of them in your garbage container.
• Let us know if the container needs maintenance due to damage or graffiti.
• Notify us of any damage or graffiti on the container. 

Get Involved With Other Organizations

Adopt-a-Drain

Storm drains flow to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Unfortunately, they can become pathways for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt a storm drain in your neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution!

Adopt-a-Drain Program

Track Your Litter Cleanup

Join an important community science project!

Our storm drains flow into the Mississippi River, bringing trash and pollution from our streets along for the ride. We have a responsibility to keep the river clean for communities downstream of us. Tracking litter helps scientists, government, businesses, and community members take informed action. 

Use the Marine Debris Tracker when you pick up litter to contribute to science and to the health of the Mississippi River. Select the "MRCTI tab" to make sure your information makes it to the right place.