Supplies Provided

The program offers the following supplies to support your cleanup efforts:

• Trash Bags
• Gloves (cloth with rubber grips)
• Safety vests
• Trash grabbers
• Litter Pick-up Safety Tips to review with your cleanup participants

Disposal Options

Participants can choose from the following disposal methods:

1. Use your personal trash container

 Be mindful not to overfill your bin. Overfilled bins may result in charges imposed by Solid Waste, which cannot be reimbursed by the program.

 After each cleanup, submit an activity report to the Program Coordinator via email at litter@cityoftacoma.org or through TacomaFIRST 311. This is especially important if you plan to join the Adopt-a-Spot Program.

2. Request a Landfill Pass from the City

 A landfill pass allows one vehicle to enter the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center for a single visit.

 Be sure to request your pass when signing up for the program, prior to your cleanup(s).

 Passes must be printed and presented to Solid Waste staff at entry.

3. Request a Pickup from Tidy-Up Tacoma

 After your cleanup, visit TacomaFIRST 311 online or by calling 311 or (253) 591-5000 if outside city limits, to submit a pickup request to the Tidy-Up Team.

 You must be the registered program participant to make disposal requests.

Important: If someone else is taking over as the area coordinator, they must complete a new registration through TacomaFIRST 311.

Reporting Hazardous Waste and Illegal Dumping

Certain items require special handling and must not be disposed of in regular trash bags. You can learn more about Hazardous Waste here.

1. Hazardous Waste

• Report the exact location and description of hazardous items to TacomaFIRST 311 online or by calling 311 or (253) 591-5000 if outside city limits. You can also download the TacomaFirst311 app on your smartphone and submit a report.

• Hazardous items should remain separate from other litter.

2. Hypodermic Needles/Syringes

•  Report these items to TacomaFIRST 311

3. Large Items on Public Property/Rights-of-Way

• Items like bags of trash, furniture, appliances, or construction debris should be reported as “illegal dumping” to TacomaFIRST 311

Help us keep Tacoma clean and safe by properly managing litter and reporting unsafe waste.

The Adopt-a-Spot Program builds on the resources offered through the Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program, providing the same supplies and disposal options. As an added bonus, participants can choose to install a recognition sign in the area they commit to keeping litter-free.

Your Commitment as an Adopt-a-Spot Participant

To join the program, we ask participants to:

1. Commit to a Two-Year Enrollment 

• Stay enrolled in the Adopt-a-Spot Program for at least two (2) additional years after joining.     

2. Hold Regular Cleanups

•  Conduct at least four (4) cleanups per year and report all activity to the program coordinator.

Important: Failure to report cleanup activities may result in:

• Discontinuation of your participation in the Adopt-a-Spot Program.
• Removal of your recognition sign

You may rejoin the program by requalifying through the Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program.

If a participant does not meet program guidelines, their account may be inactivated, and their adopted spot will become available for others in the community.

Traffic Circle Adoption

Through the Adopt-a-Spot Program, participants can also adopt traffic circles, which allows for additional creative and maintenance opportunities.

Options for Traffic Circles

1. Garden in a Traffic Circle

Responsibilities include: Weeding and maintaining a tidy appearance and/or planting non-invasive, low-growing plants (maximum height of 3 feet).

 

The City can provide TAGRO mix once per year to help establish plants.

 

2. Paint a Mural in a Traffic Circle

For paved traffic circles, participants can request to paint a mural by:

• Submitting a plan and petition to Public Works for approval.
• For more information about the program, plan templates or petition guidelines, email litter@cityoftacoma.org

Note: Cleanup activity in traffic circles must be reported to the program coordinator to maintain participation and receive a recognition sign.

By adopting a spot or traffic circle, you’re helping to keep Tacoma clean and beautiful while making a lasting impact on your community.

Currently Adopted Spots

Organizing a neighborhood cleanup is easy! Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Enroll in the Program

• If you’re not already enrolled, submit a request through the TacomaFIRST 311 system to join the Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program.

Step 2: Set Your Cleanup Date

• Choose a date that works for you and your cleanup team.

Step 3: Organize and Request Supplies

• Spread the word and invite others to participate in your cleanup.
• Contact the Program Coordinator to request your supplies by:
• Email: litter@cityoftacoma.org
• Phone: Call 311 or (253) 591-5000 if outside city limits.
• Confirm your preferred disposal method.

Important: Supply requests must be submitted at least one (1) week in advance of your cleanup date.

Step 4: Pick Up Your Supplies

• Supplies are available for pickup at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center. Supplies will be labeled with the participant’s name and left at the front desk.
• Address: 3510 S Mullen Street
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Step 5: Hold Your Cleanup

• Conduct your cleanup while following the Litter Pick-Up Safety Tips provided by the program.

Step 6: Dispose of the Collected Litter

• Dispose of the litter based on your chosen disposal method:
• Personal Trash Container: If using a personal bin, submit a cleanup report after disposal by contacting the program coordinator via email or phone.
• Other Disposal Methods: Follow the instructions provided during your supply request.

By planning ahead and staying organized, you’re contributing to a cleaner, more beautiful Tacoma.

Looking for more ways to get involved in litter cleanup and beautification efforts? Explore these programs for additional opportunities:

Citywide Trash and Litter Resources

Programs Outside Tacoma City Limits

• Pierce County Adopt-a-Road Program
• WSDOT Adopt-a-Highway Program
• Metro Parks CHIP-in! Program

Together, we can create cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities. Explore these resources to find the program that fits your interests!