Hosting a community cleanup? DPW has your back!

We understand the importance of keeping our neighborhoods clean and vibrant, which is why we offer resources to make your cleanup efforts easier and more effective. Whether you're tackling large bulk items or organizing a small litter cleanup, we have options tailored to fit your needs. Together, we can create cleaner, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy!

We are pleased to announce our updated Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program designed to promote greater equity and access to resources. DPW offers two convenient options to help with your cleanup. For bulk items, our updated program provides assistance with collecting larger debris. Any resident or group can request assistance from DPW, regardless of their affiliation with a community association.  The program enables each neighborhood to request up to four dumpsters per year, with DPW overseeing and managing their distribution to ensure fairness across neighborhoods.

For smaller-scale projects, such as litter pickups, our volunteer sign-up is the perfect solution. To further maximize participation and impact, the updated Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program requires clean-up events to involve at least 20 volunteers and provides clear guidelines for the request process. In addition, clean-up organizers must submit a flyer promoting the event. Residents or groups interested in hosting a community clean-up can also request a Solid Waste Volunteer Clean-Up event by calling 311. DPW will provide tools, bags, and a truck to collect debris from the identified location.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the program, communities or volunteer groups must meet the following requirements:
1.    Volunteer Minimum: Clean-up events must include at least 20 volunteers.
2.    Designated Organizer: A community member  Community Organizer must lead and coordinate the event.
3.    Event Verification: An event flyer or official posting must be provided as proof of the clean-up event. After a community pitch-in is confirmed, email the event flyer or official posting as proof of the scheduled cleanup: dpwpitchin@baltimorecity.gov.

Request Process

The updated process ensures transparency and fairness in resource allocation:
1.    Submission: Community Organizers must call 311 to submit a request, adhering to these guidelines:
•    January through June: Up to two requests, starting December 1 of the prior year.
•    July through December: Up to two requests, starting June 1.
                 The program enables each neighborhood to request up to four dumpsters per year.
2.    Verification: Organizers must provide an event flyer and confirm event details, including the date and location.
3.    Approval: The 311 team will review requests to ensure communities do not exceed the maximum annual allotment. Approved requests will be finalized by DPW, and dumpsters will be placed at designated locations.

Dumpster Guidelines

To ensure proper use of dumpsters, community members must adhere to the following guidelines:
•    Please click here for the full list of accepted and prohibited items.
•    Supervision: Dumpsters must be staffed at all times to prevent non-approved items from being placed in them. Clean-up organizers may request early removal of dumpsters if necessary.

Resource Availability

Saturday is a popular day for clean-up events, residents are encouraged to submit requests early, as dumpsters are often reserved quickly.