Resources & FAQs

On this page you will find all the necessary resources for planning and participating in a Source to Sea cleanup.

Cleanup Resources

Group Leader Guide

Learn how to plan and run a successful and safe cleanup with ease.

Download Guide

How-To Videos

Watch our instructional Youtube videos on navigating the website, event registration, editing your event page, and volunteer registration.

Watch Now

DIY Cleanup

Can’t participate in a group cleanup? DIY your own at your convenience!

Download PDF

FAQs for Group Leaders

I don’t know where my group should clean up. Please advise me.

  1. Consider choosing your favorite park, city block, boat ramp, neighborhood hang-out. Trash travels, so even picking up litter off a city sidewalk can help protect wildlife and communities that depend on clean waterways.
  2. Review the map of adoptable sites on the Cleanup Sites page for sites that have been reported to us.
    • If you’ve found a suitable site on the map, click the pin or site name to adopt this site which will open up the Register Your Event form.
    • If the site you have in mind is not on this map, please report your site using the Report a Trash Site Form. Once your site has been approved, you can come back to the map and register your event under your site.

Still have questions? Fill out our Help Form.

Where can I find all the items I need to bring to my Cleanup (aka the Welcome Packet)?

Navigate to Plan a Cleanup > Before Your Cleanup > Print & Bring Your Forms

Download our Group Leader Guide for a step-by-step guide to organizing your Cleanup. All forms are included in the Guide.

Should my group be listed as public or private?

If you plan on creating an event for your friends, family, or coworkers only, make your cleanup private. Once your event is approved, you will be given a unique link that may be shared with your group members to register online.

If you want anyone to be able to join your cleanup, make your cleanup public and share your unique event link on social media, flyers, etc.

Can I order cleanup supplies from CRC?

If your cleanup group has 5 or more volunteers, you may order supplies from CRC. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be ordered at least 2 weeks in advance of your cleanup date.

Order Supplies

How can I message my volunteers before my Cleanup?

It’s important to keep your Volunteers in the loop with Cleanup updates and encouraging messages! In order to send an email to your entire volunteer list, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in with your email and password using the “Login” button in the upper-right corner of the page.
  2. Navigate to the “Settings” tab on the left-hand side. This directs you to the “Notification Central.”
  3. Make sure your event is selected from the drop-down menu and type your message in the text box below.
  4. Click the “Send Message” button when you’ve finished typing. An email with your message will be sent to all the email addresses listed under “Volunteers.”

What do I do with the trash that my group collects?

General Trash and Recycling:

  • Your local DPW will be happy to support your cleanup! Before cleanup day, make arrangements for them to pick up your trash and recycling. Confirm the specific pickup location and time. Leaving bags near trash cans or the closest road is best.
  • You may also chose to dispose of the trash yourself if you have a smaller cleanup site.

Dumpsters:

  • MA and CT: Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, USA Waste, dumpsters can be placed at locations with heavy trash volume on cleanup days. Contact Madeline Hart at least one week in advance.
  • VT and NH: You may request a donated dumpster from Budget Dumpster by filling out the form located on their website at least 1-2 weeks prior to your event.

Who can be a group leader? What if I'm under 18 and want to host a cleanup?

Anyone who has a passion for a cleaner environment can be a Source to Sea Cleanup group leader. We are happy to give extra support to group leaders under 18!

Can I make a donation on behalf of my Cleanup group?

Yes! You can donate to support our work for cleaner rivers. Please visit our DONATE page where you can earmark your gift to your group.

I still need help.

We’re here for you! Fill out our Help Form or sign up for a 30-minute meeting with Stacey (Mon/Thur) or Rilee (Wed/Fri).

FAQs for Volunteers

When can I register for a Cleanup?

Volunteer registration will open August 5th. Join a group here.

I'm looking to join a group that isn't on the map. What do I do?

It’s likely that the group leader has yet to register their event. Please check back later.

Can I make a donation on behalf of my Cleanup group?

Yes! You can donate to support our work for cleaner rivers. Please visit our DONATE page where you can earmark your gift to your group.

I can't participate in a group cleanup this year. How can I help in my own way?

Here are some other ways you can contribute to our cleanup efforts:

  • Take part in an individual cleanup on whatever day works best for you. Use our DIY Cleanup Guide to gather necessary supplies and tips.
  • Use our Report a Trash Site Form to make your community aware of locations in need of some attention.
  • Please submit a trash tally.
  • Consider a donation to support our work for cleaner rivers. Thank you!

Forms to Print:

Cleanup Talking Points

Cleanup Poster – share this png on social!

Customizable Flyer – add your own event details and post

Waiver

Trash Tally Sheet

Trash Coupon

Hazardous Materials Form