WHAT IS TIDY-UP TACOMA?
Tidy-Up Tacoma, a program within the City’s Environmental Services Department, is dedicated to elevating the overall cleanliness and visual appeal of the City of Tacoma so that we can all live, work, and play in clean and healthy neighborhoods that inspire pride in our community. Through this program, we actively engage with residents, businesses, and community-based organizations and use their input to direct the work of clean-up crews. The program strives to address immediate cleanliness concerns and support community members who would like to engage in clean-up efforts. This inclusive strategy sets off a positive ripple effect, contributing to a cleaner and more inviting Tacoma that resonates with the vision of Tacoma’s diverse community.
WHY IS LITTER A CONCERN?
Simply put, litter is improperly handled waste products. Keep America Beautiful estimates that there are more than 50 billion pieces of litter on the ground in the US or, put another way, 152 pieces of litter for each US resident. The harms that litter poses to human, animal and environmental health are staggering. Litter breaks down in the environment and can release toxins that pollute our environment and impact people and animals. An estimated one million animals die each year from ingesting litter. Litter helps spread diseases and bacteria to people and animals. Litter is costly. Each year, local governments spend around $11.5 billion trying to clean up litter. Litter can lower property values by an estimated 7%!
WHAT SERVICES ARE COVERED THROUGH TIDY-UP TACOMA?
Tidy-Up Tacoma supports 11 full-time employees who proactively address:
- Litter and debris clean-up in public spaces
- Graffiti mitigation and removal
- Trail maintenance
- Public garbage can maintenance
Tidy-Up Tacoma also provides additional important community services including:
- Bill credit payment assistance to low-income households
- Support for community-based volunteer clean-up organizations
- Tidy-Up Tacoma Business District Program
- Purple Bag Program which provides regular waste pick-ups at select encampments
- HIRE (Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness) which is a low-barrier work program
- Encampment garbage and debris removal
In addition, the Department of Environmental Services (including Tidy-Up) and Public Works partner with WSDOT every quarter for assistance with graffiti removal, litter clean up, and sweeping the shoulders of the I-705, SR509, Hwy 16, and SR7 between I-5 and South 38th Street.
WHAT IS THE TIDY-UP BUSINESS DISTRICT PROGRAM?
Yes, often referred to as the original Tidy-Up Tacoma, our Public Works Department oversees the Tidy-Up Tacoma Business District Program where City crews maintain the main arterials of Neighborhood Business Districts and around two other areas by cleaning up litter, performing graffiti removal, street sweeping, and right-of-way landscaping. In addition, these crews provide vegetation management, litter pickup, and graffiti removal around the City’s six gateway signs throughout Tacoma.
Tidy-Up Tacoma helps Public Works in these efforts by funding graffiti mitigation in public spaces and trail maintenance work. Click the link on the right for more information about this work.
HOW DO I REQUEST TIDY-UP TACOMA SERVICES?
Tacoma First 311 is the best way to request services and track the progress of your request. You can access this service by phone, web, or mobile app.
- By phone: City of Tacoma staff are available 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday to answer your general questions and address issues related to the City of Tacoma services. If you’re calling from within city limits, dial 311. If you’re calling from outside of city limits, dial (253) 591-5000.
- Online: Tacoma First 311 is also available online 24-hours a day at cityoftacoma.org/tacomafirst311.
- Mobile app: A mobile app is available for download on Apple and Android devices.
HOW DO I REQUEST TIDY-UP TACOMA SERVICES?
Adopt-a-Spot / Neighborhood Litter Patrol: Help reduce litter and keep our public spaces clean by volunteering with the Adopt-a-Spot or Neighborhood Litter Patrol program. Volunteers will receive free safety and litter pick-up supplies. Call (253) 591-5000 or click here for more information.
Adopt-a-Storm Drain: Volunteer 15 minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and healthier communities. Storm drains flow directly to rivers, lakes, creeks, and the Puget Sound, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Storm Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution and help prevent localized flooding.
Neighborhood Dog Waste Station: Help prevent stormwater pollution by sponsoring a dog waste station with bags and signage that reminds dog walkers in your neighborhood to scoop it, bag it, and throw it in the trash. Click here for more information.
Education and involvement: As an individual or as part of community groups, you are part of the solution to protecting Tacoma's environment. Learn more about additional opportunities for youth and adults.
DID YOU KNOW? When hauling trash of any kind, secure your load! Unsecured loads cause 40% of roadside litter! Click here for more information
Join a Community-Based cleanup organization: Check out the links on the right to learn more!
HOW IS TIDY-UP TACOMA FUNDED?
City Council approved a 6% local excise tax on solid waste services as part of the 2023-2024 biennial budget. The funds generated from this tax continued funding for Tidy-Up Tacoma, which was previously funded with one-time money from the American Rescue Plan Act and other City funds. On average, a residential customer with a 60-gallon garbage container will see about $3 per month added to their bill.
TIDY-UP TACOMA TRANSLATED FACT SHEETS: