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.
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 through 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.
Fill out our volunteer application to let us know which programs you're interested in.
Request Free Litter Cleanup Supplies Here
Volunteer for a Cleanup
Join Public Works for a future litter cleanup in 2027. Cleanup dates will be announced here once they are scheduled.
Parks & Recreation Litter Cleanups
Parks & Recreation is hosting many cleanups in parks throughout Saint Paul in April and May.
Click here to see upcoming Parks cleanups
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 2026 include:
- Southeast Community Organization (District 1)
- Greater East Side Community Council (District 2)
- Payne-Phalen Community Council (District 5)
- North End Neighborhood Organization (District 6)
- West 7th Street/Fort Road Federation (District 9)
- Como Community Council (District 10)
- Hamline Midway Coalition (District 11)
- Union Park District Council (District 13)
- Macalester Groveland Community Council (District 14)
- Highland District Council (District 15)
- Summit Hill Association (District 16)
If you live in one of these areas, visit your District Council's website 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.
Adopt-a-Block
Partner with neighbors, friends, or colleagues to keep your block litter-free all year!
How It Works
- Adopt a Saint Paul block of your choice for at least two years.
- Pick up litter on both sides of the street, as well as the alley if there is one, throughout the year.
- 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 you are doing a larger litter cleanup and need assistance with collection of the materials, Public Works can assist with collection by request.
Adopt-a-Container
The Adopt-a-Container program will install a new garbage container in partnership with individuals or organizations who commit to emptying it throughout the year.
How It Works
The adopter commits to:
- Maintaining the container for at least two years.
- Keeping the surrounding area clear of litter and other refuse.
- Carefully removing filled bags and disposing of them in their own cart or dumpster, or at a disposal facility.
- Notifying Public Works of any damage or graffiti on the container.
- Notifying Public Works at least 30 days prior to ending participation in this program.
Public Works will provide garbage bags. Adopters should request additional bags when supplies are low.
Requests for new containers will be reviewed as they are received. Requests received in winter may have installation delayed as weather permits.
Apply to Adopt a Block or Container Here
Contact Public Works with questions at garbage@stpaul.gov.
