Before you start your cleanup, you may want to visit the site and identify any major obstructions, such as a fallen tree or area with large rocks. This may be a good place to collect garbage since much of it will get stuck here. [2] X Research source Check the weather on the day that you plan to do your cleanup. If it is windy, raining, snowing, or very cold, then you might want to postpone your cleanup efforts for another day. [3] X Research source
Woven bags also work well for collecting trash that is in the water since the water will drain out of them. [5] X Research source You could also bring an old canoe to place larger pieces of trash into as you walk along a shallow portion of the river. [6] X Research source You can purchase a sharps container from an online medical supply store. You can also use an old detergent bottle as a sharps container. Just make sure to label it with “Sharps. Biohazard. Do Not Recycle. ” Only fill the sharps container 2/3 full. Check with your local waste collection service about how to dispose of the container. They may have a special deposit box or mail-in method that you will need to use. [7] X Research source
Try walking for 30 minutes in 1 direction and then you will have a 30-minute walk back so that you can check for any missed items and pick up full bags along the way.
For example, you could place all the plastic bottles, plastic bags, and other plastic items into 1 clear bag, and fill another clear bag with glass items. Be sure to check with the recycling center to find out what they will accept and how it needs to be sorted before you go.
A pickup truck is a helpful tool for transporting trash. If you don’t own one, ask a friend to borrow theirs, or better yet, see if they’d like to join you for the cleanup.
You may also want to recruit people to help with the river cleanup by contacting kayak and fishing clubs. This may help you to find people who are skilled in navigating the river in a boat or kayak so that your cleanup also targets trash floating in the river. [12] X Research source
For example, if you have the choice between 2 similar candidates and 1 proposes more stringent environmental policies, then that candidate will be more likely to protect the rivers.
You could even do a social media fundraiser, such as on Facebook for your birthday, and ask that people donate to a river protection organization instead of giving you gifts.
Try to be patient if you see someone littering. Keep in mind that although not littering may seem like an obvious thing to you, some people do not understand why it is a problem.
Make sure to collect your pet’s waste and dispose of it properly. Never wash it into a storm drain. [18] X Research source
Your local pharmacy may accept old, unused medications at any time. Call to find out if they do.
For example, you can make your own natural pesticides, use crop covers to protect vegetables from pests, or plant flowers and herbs that discourage pests.
If your car is leaking, put a large piece of cardboard down under it. This will help to collect any fluid that leaks onto the ground until you can get your car fixed.
