Organizing a Cleanup

Getting Started 

We need your help as a cleanup organizer for Rivers Alive. Learn more by watching this video.

How to Organize a Waterway Cleanup - Organizer FAQs  (PDF, 603.45 KB) : A question-answer guide designed to walk you through the process of organizing a successful Rivers Alive event.

Rivers Alive State Coordinators: Contact the state office for additional help or guidance.

Register an Event: Register your cleanup event by July 31st to request and secure free T-shirts, bookmarks, and posters with the yearly theme for your participants!

Education: Ideas for water quality activities and displays for your Rivers Alive event

Tools for Organizing 

Volunteer Waiver Forms and Sign-in Sheets:

Volunteer Waiver Form  (DOC, 23 KB)  (English)
Sign-in Sheet  (DOC, 25.5 KB)  (English)
Waiver Form & Sign-in Sheet  (DOC, 28.5 KB)  (Spanish)

Think Safety  (PDF, 215.29 KB)

Event Checklist  (PDF, 228.96 KB)

Volunteer Data Collection Sheet / Tally Form  (PDF, 386.04 KB)
Organizer Data Collection Sheet / Final Tally Form  (PDF, 544.59 KB)

Rivers Alive encourages you to use these data cards to easily record the types of trash collected. We use the information to help identify sources of trash on local waterways and determine where education and outreach efforts should be concentrated to reduce pollution. The data is also submitted to The Ocean Conservancy and incorporated in their annual report, which has been used by EPA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and others to identify threats facing the waters of the nation.

Final Tally Form  (PDF, 544.59 KB)

Once you have completed your cleanup event, submit the Final Tally Form located on your account. Take a look at the form before you head out to the waterways so you can prepare your answers while you are out there.

Rivers Alive Talking Points  (PDF, 87.14 KB)

Talking points that cover why waterway litter is a problem, what individuals can do to help, and a Rivers Alive 2011 final tally.

Rivers Alive Media Q&A  (PDF, 112.76 KB)

Q&A to use when promoting Rivers Alive and your cleanups.

EPD Tire Management Unit

Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Tire Management Unit (TMU) is responsible for enforcing state regulations for scrap tire generators, tire carriers, scrap tire sorters, and illegal tire disposal sites. Follow this link to learn more about the Solid Waste Trust Fund Grant Program and its projects to reduce waste, abate and recycle scrap tires, and support of statewide recycling initiatives. 

Boat-Side Cleanup Guide  (PDF, 287.23 KB)

Here, you'll find tips and information to help you organize a paddling cleanup event. Cleaning a river by canoe or kayak is one of the easiest ways to get individuals up close and personal to the river and have a blast taking care of your local resources. Rivers Alive encourages boat cleanup events and wants to make sure your cleanup is effective, safe and fun.

Boat U.S. Foundation Beach and Waterway Cleanup Guide

Created for coastal cleanups, this downloadable guide provides information on every aspect of organizing a cleanup, including recruiting volunteers, promoting your event, getting sponsorships and donations and even educational materials. Whether you're at the beach or in the mountains, there's something here for everyone!