Litter Cleanup

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Thank you for participating in Keep Tyler Beautiful litter cleanup efforts. In 2022, volunteers like you removed nearly 5 tons of litter from Tyler roads and parks. 

Please complete the Litter Cleanup Report to log your cleanup, only one form is needed per group for each cleanup. If you were provided any supplies for your cleanup (i.e. gloves, safety vests, litter grabbers, etc.), please return items to the Keep Tyler Beautiful office, located at 1718 W. Houston St., as soon as possible. Hard copies of this form are available upon request. Email ktyb@tylertexas.com for more information or assistance. 

Adopt-a-Spot Litter Cleanup FAQs

Why was Adopt-a-Spot started?
How does a group adopt?
What impact does the program have?
Who is in charge of the Adopt-a-Spot Program and is it different than Adopt-a-Highway?
What type of committment does Adopt-a-Spot require?
What doest KTyB provide to volunteers?
Can participants choose which park or street they want to clean? How are selections determined?
Can an individual or family adopt a location or dies it have to be large groups or businesses? Are there limitations on participation?
What can a group's Adopt-a-Spot sign say?

Safety Tips

The Adopt-a-Spot program gives Tylerites an opportunity to volunteer in their communities while enjoying teamwork, exercise and beautiful roadside scenery. Safety is a primary goal for everyone, and because our volunteers are so important to this program, the following are some tips to keep you and your group safe as you clean up Tyler parks and roads.

  • Please review the following safety video with all volunteers. Keep in mind this was created for the Adopt-a-Highway program so not all items will be applicable.

Proper attire

  • Volunteers must wear the safety vests provided by KTyB at all times during street cleanups or cleanups in high traffic areas. 
  • Volunteers must wear gloves to protect hands from sharp objects. Leather work gloves are suggested. This will protect against the sun and any poisonous plants or insects you might encounter.
  • Only wear closed-toe shoes. Leather shoes or boots with good soles are recommended.
  • Wear light-colored clothing and long pants or jeans.
  • Wear a hat and long sleeves to avoid sunburn and/or bug bites.

Highway safety

  • Carpool to the pickup site to reduce the number of vehicles in the right of way.
  • Do not stop or park vehicles on roadways.
  • Stay in the right of way. Only cross the roadway when necessary.
  • Groups should keep 5 feet of distance from the pavement edge.
  • Always work facing traffic. Never turn your back to oncoming cars. If you can see an out-of-control vehicle coming your way, it might be possible to avoid danger.
  • All children must be supervised. The suggested ratio is at least one supervisor for every three children under age 15. At least one adult must be present for minors ages 15 to 18. Children under the age of seven (7) may not participate in street cleanups.
  • Never walk on guardrails, and do not lean over bridge railings.
  • Do not pick up items on bridges, in tunnels or on overpasses.
  • Watch your footing. Stay off of/away from steep slopes, trenches or any type of drop-off.
  • Avoid using headsets, headphones, or other noise dampening devices, which can prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic.
  • Do not enter the roadway or its shoulder areas to pick up trash and be mindful of sharp turns and steep hills where oncoming drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians. 

Health concerns

  • Do not pick up anything that could be hazardous to your health. This includes needles, syringes, jagged glass, animal carcasses, urine bottles or heavy objects. If in doubt, take picture of the item and note it's location. You can inform KTyB on your Cleanup Report. If Tyler Police needs to be contacted for an item you find, please call the non-emergency line at 903-531-1000.
  • Adopters are required to have a first-aid kit on hand at all times. It’s suggested that one or two of the volunteers should be familiar with CPR and general first-aid techniques in case of emergency.
  • Know the phone number and the driving route to the nearest hospital. If possible, carry a cell phone.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent are good to keep on hand.
  • Keep a list of any allergies volunteers have, in case of an emergency.
  • Avoid overexertion. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water should be available to volunteers at all times.