How does picking up litter connect to water quality?

Litter cleanup directly enhances water quality by removing pollutants that can contaminate soil and waterways, protecting aquatic ecosystems and human health. When it rains, pollutants are swept into the roads and into storm drains, which lead directly into our waterways. There is no filtration or treatment of stormwater, so any debris that we can remove from parks, roads, and other public areas, has a direct impact on downstream health. 

How can I get involved?

The City of Federal Way Environmental Services and Parks Department hold regular park cleanup events around the City. Contact SWM@federalwaywa.gov to find out when the next public event is.

I have a group that wants to do regular litter pick events. Can this program support that? 

Our water quality team can provide training and materials to help with your own litter pick events. We ask that groups go through this training to ensure safety protocols are all being followed, and to help with proper pickup or disposal of trash after the event. 

Materials provided:

  • PPE- including gloves and safety vests
  • Litter pickers
  • Garbage bags
  • Scale
  • Garbage pickup service (if available)

Safety Tips

  • Pick public spaces, stay together, follow road safety protocols. Contact SWM@federalwaywa.gov for some ideas on locations in the City to cleanup!
  • NEVER pick up sharps (syringes, needles, lancets), waste (human or animal), or hazardous waste materials.
  • Wear proper PPE - including gloves and safety vests.
  • Report any hazardous materials or safety concerns to event lead/City staff. 

Any volunteers attending must complete and send in a volunteer waiver form to the City. Volunteers under 18 must have guardian signatures as well. Any groups completing their own litter picks must have an adult event lead present at all times. 

After the event, we ask that an event lead reports the data from the event, to help us track the successful programs happening in Federal Way. Data should be collected and entered by only one person from each event.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/litterpicks 

 

Thanks for helping keep Federal Way clean! To get involved with litter picks, email SWM@federalwaywa.gov