Anti-Litter Safety Tips

Remember to be safe when you’re on the hunt for litter:

• Carpool to the area you intend to clean up and pull all vehicles as far off the road as possible.
• Pick up litter in your gloved hand and carry your bag in the other.
• Do not pick up strange articles that may be dangerous. Don't pick up anything that looks sharp (i.e. used needles).
• Do not pick up heavy or hazardous materials.
• Do not take any risks attempting to reach litter in hard-to-get-to places (up a tree, down a steep incline, in rapidly flowing water, on slippery surfaces, etc.).
• Stay clear of traffic. Do not attempt to collect litter from the middle of heavily trafficked streets. Use common sense with it comes to safety.

Dress for Success: Make yourself visible to the traveling public and protect yourself from weather conditions or possible injury. Be sure everyone in the group wears the following items.

• Safety hat, vest and gloves
• Long pants and a long sleeve shirt
• Thick-soled boots or shoes
• Wear a hat or sunscreen

While picking up:

• Watch your footing, stay off rocky, steep or unstable slopes
• Avoid poison ivy, poison oak and other thorny plants
• Watch for stinging insects
• Walk single file across bridges
• Carry a box for broken glass and other sharp objects.
• Avoid over exertion, rest when needed
• Drink plenty of water and use sun screen on warm sunny days

For your safety:

• Don't use music players and earphones which interfere with hearing and warnings.
• Don't engage in horseplay or pranks endangering the safety of yourself, fellow members or the traveling public.
• Don't cross the roadway on foot. Get in a vehicle and get out on the same side as the pickup will take place. No U-turns at intersections and interchanges. Turn off the flashing warning light while traveling to and from the work site.
• Don't pick up litter on bridges, roadway, tunnels or overpasses.
• Don't compact trash bags -- injuries from sharp or broken objects may result or the bag may burst.
• Don't pick up syringes or hypodermic needles.
• Don't carry knives, machetes, axes, etc.
• Never pick up exceptionally heavy or unyielding objects, dead animals, or suspected toxic or hazardous materials. Mark the location and notify the City of Austin.