Plan a Community Clean-up

Updated on June 18, 2025

Organize a Community Cleanup

Community Cleanup

How to Organize a Community Cleanup Event

Whether it's a large-scale effort or a small neighborhood initiative, a community cleanup is a fantastic way to support your community! It helps prevent illegal dumping and ensures our region's lands and waters remain healthy and clean. Upon meeting the eligible criteria, the RDN is committed to supporting your community cleanup by offering waived tipping fees at the Regional Landfill or the Church Road Transfer Station.   

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

Eligibility for Waived Tipping Fees

  • The cleanup area must be located on public property within the jurisdiction of the Regional District of Nanaimo. Possible locations include natural areas, recreational outdoor spaces, parks, beaches, bodies of water, and near waterways.
  • This does not include private property.
  • The cleanup is conducted by volunteer(s) on behalf of a group or non-profit.
  • Whenever possible, separate recyclables like metal, wood or yard and garden waste from garbage - recyclables will not be accepted for landfilling.
  • For detailed information on eligibility and requirements, check out our helpful guide - Community Cleanup Guide

How to Apply

  • Application Process: Email your request to zerowaste [at] rdn.bc.ca Re: Community Cleanup, or mail to Solid Waste Services, Re: Community Cleanup, 6300 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N2. Please include the following: 
    • Completed and Signed Community Cleanup Form
    • Your Organization's name
    • Contact person first and last name
    • Contact person phone number
    • Contact person email address
    • Date of the cleanup event
    • Location of the cleanup event - please include screen shot of map of the area
    • Location of material drop off - Regional Landfill or Church Road Transfer Station
    • Anticipated drop off date(s)
    • Estimated number of vehicles/loads of waste
    • Vehicle description and license plate of the vehicle dropping off the material
    • Type of material(s)
  • Processing Time: Please allow at least one week to process the application.
  • Approval & Waiver: Once the application is approved, staff will provide a waiver that can be displayed to facility staff upon arrival at the scalehouse. 

 

Community Cleanup Safety

General Guidelines

  • Stick to a defined cleanup location.
  • Have a set work period, including check-ins at regular intervals and a check-in at the end of work shift. 
  • Work in pairs. If working alone, volunteers should have access to an electronic device for communication, such as a phone, radio or personal alarm. 
  • Ensure minors are supervised by adults.
  • Watch for vehicles and walk facing traffic.
  • Avoid the use of headphones.
  • Use safe lifting practices for heavier items.
  • Establish a muster point where first aid kits and emergency numbers should be located for easy access for everyone. 

Hazards to Consider

  • Busy roads or excessive traffic.
  • Fast flowing or deep water.
  • Steep banks, drops, and large holes.
  • Metal, wood waste, and yard/garden waste.
  • Bulky and heavy objects.
  • Broken glass and other sharp objects.
  • Animal carcasses, excessive animal waste.
  • Syringes and drug paraphernalia.
  • Hazardous waste: Contact the RDN for safe disposal. 

Basic Supplies for a Safe Cleanup

  • First Aid Kit
  • Garbage Bags
  • Cut-resistant gloves
  • High-visibility safety vests
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Sturdy closed-toed shoes (no sandals)
  • Garbage pickers and/or shovels
  • Vehicle for hauling cleanup materials
  • Rigid container(s) for sharps and other hazardous items

 

Downloads

RDN Community Cleanup Guide.pdf

 

Safe Sharps Disposal

If you come across needles, syringes or sharps, please contact Island Health for more information on how to dispose of these items safely. 

www.islandhealth.ca

1-866-770-7798

 

Contact Our Department

zerowaste [at] rdn.bc.ca (zerowaste[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)

Ph: 250-390-6576