Potomac River Cleanups FAQ

Cleanup registration

Do all your cleanup events start at 9 am?
- Yes! Unless noted otherwise.
If I can’t make the event anymore, can I cancel my spot?
- Yes! If you can’t make the event for any reason, please email us at community@potomac.org
What time should I get there?
- We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to ensure you get first pick of the trash grabbers and gloves.

Is the event rain or shine?
- Yes, it is!
What should I bring?
- We suggest bringing reusable gloves (such as gardening gloves) or a trash grabber if you have one. If not, we have some at the event!
What should I wear?
- We always recommend wearing boots or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, especially if it has been raining. Please wear comfortable clothes you can walk in. In the warmer months don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!
Should I wear a mask?
- This is up to you, but it is not required.
Can I still attend if I don’t have a car?
- Many of our sites are metro, bus, or bike accessible.
When should I expect a reminder email and more information regarding the event?
- If you have a ticket reserved, you will automatically receive a reminder email the Wednesday before the event via the same email you used to register for the ticket. Only the person who reserved tickets will get the reminder email. They are responsible for sharing the reminder email with their guest prior to the event to avoid confusion.

What time should I get there?
- We recommend getting there 15 minutes before the start time to ensure you get first pick of the trash grabbers and gloves.
Do I need to come in a group or with a friend?
- You can come solo or with friends! If you are an individual this is a great chance to meet new like-minded people.
Is there an age minimum or age maximum?
- There is no age minimum or age maximum but if you are under 18 you must have a guardian with you.

Will picking up a few pounds of trash make a difference?
- Yes! Every piece of litter that is removed from shorelines helps the Potomac River.
Does a cleanup require a lot of physical activity?
- This depends on the site and the type of trash you find. We recommend being prepared to walk a mile. It can require some bending over to pick up trash.
How do cleanups help the Potomac River?
- Litter and plastics pollute water and degrade water quality for humans and animals that depend on it. The Potomac is the source of water we drink, so keeping plastic out of it is not just good for the river — it's good for us!
- When plastics break down into microplastics, they can change soil chemistry and nutrient availability for the trees and plants near the Potomac River. This can delay seed germination and impact trees’ photosynthesis capacity.
- Some animals will try to eat litter or get stuck in plastic; both can harm them.
Are the events fun?
- Yes! You get to help the environment while spending time outdoors.
What happens if I come late or leave early?
- If you come late – you will miss the event instruction and logistics. Depending on an event's location and size, sometime leaders will not be waiting at the registration table. It is important to show up by 8:55 am and be ready for instruction.
- If you leave early – you will miss our fun group photo session by a pile of trash we collected.

What happens to the trash after the cleanup event?
- We work with park partners to arrange a trash pickup afterwards.
How can I stay informed about what Potomac Conservancy is doing?
- After you come to a cleanup and sign our online wavier you will automatically be signed up for our emails which will tell you about upcoming events and ways to take action for clean water.

My organization is interested in partnering to host a cleanup. Who should I contact?
- You can email Weyessa McAlister who is the Director of Community Conservation: McAlister@potomac.org