Community Cleanup Programs

Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program

The Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program invites Tacoma residents to team up with Tidy-Up Tacoma to keep public spaces clean. Whether you’re organizing a large group cleanup or tidying up your own neighborhood, this program provides free supplies and disposal assistance to support your efforts.

Getting started as a Neighborhood Litter Patroller is easy and you can participate as much or as little as you’d like. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Enroll: Register through Tacoma FIRST 311.
2. Plan Your Cleanup – Choose a date, invite participants, and request supplies at least one week in advance.
3. Pick Up Supplies – Collect your cleanup materials at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center.
4. Clean Up – Follow safety tips and guidelines while collecting litter.
5. Dispose & Report – Use an approved disposal method and submit a cleanup report if necessary (see below).

Program Benefits

• Free cleanup supplies (listed below)
• Assistance with disposal
• Help keep Tacoma beautiful and healthy!
• Qualify to be a part of the Adopt-a-Spot Program

Where Can You Clean?

Cleanup activities must take place on public property or rights-of-way (i.e. sidewalks, streets, and parks) within Tacoma city limits.

Cleanups outside these areas are not eligible, including:

• Private properties
• WSDOT highways and Parks Tacoma properties
• Areas outside Tacoma city limits

How To Register

You can register two ways:

1. Through Tacoma FIRST 311
2. Submit a Neighborhood Litter Patrol Application via email to litter@tacoma.gov

Cleanup supplies provided:

• Trash Bags
• Gloves
• Safety Vests
• Trash Grabbers

Disposal Options:

1. Personal Trash Bin – Use your bin, but do not overfill (fees may apply). Report cleanups via email or Tacoma FIRST311.
2. Request Pickup – Use Tacoma FIRST311 or call 311 (or 253-591-5000 outside city limits).

Reporting Hazardous Waste & Illegal Dumping:

• Hazardous Waste – Report via Tacoma FIRST 311 or call 311.
• Needles/Syringes – Report using Tacoma FIRST 311.
• Large Dumped Items – Report as “illegal dumping” via Tacoma FIRST 311.

How to Plan a Neighborhood Cleanup:

1. Enroll in the program: Register through Tacoma FIRST 311.
2. Set a cleanup date: Choose a date that works for you and your team.
3. Request supplies via email at litter@tacoma.gov or call 311 (or 253-591-5000 outside city limits). Be sure to request supplies at least one (1) week before your event.
4. Pick up supplies: Please pick up your supplies at the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center
5. Hold your cleanup! Follow safety tips and have fun!
6. Dispose of collected litter: Choose one of the methods above.
7. Remember to report your cleanups via email at litter@tacoma.gov or Tacoma FIRST 311.

Ruby Gabriel

Adopt-a-Spot Program

The Adopt-a-Spot Program builds on the Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program by providing long-term support for community cleanup efforts. You’ll receive all of the same benefits of the Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program, but Adopt-a-Spot requires a two (2) year commitment. Participants enrolled in this program can also receive a recognition sign in their designated area!

Your Commitment as an Adopt-a-Spot Participant

• Commit to a two-year enrollment – Stay active in the program for at least two years.
• Conduct a minimum of four (4) cleanups per year – Report all cleanup activities to Ruby Gabriel.

Failure to report cleanups may result in:

• Discontinuation from the program
• Removal of your recognition sign

How Do I Enroll?

Once you’ve completed at least four (4) neighborhood cleanups within a year, you’re eligible to join the Adopt-a-Spot Program! Just email us at litter@tacoma.gov and keep up the good work!

Because the Adopt-a-Spot Program is a continuation of the Neighborhood Litter Patrol Program, you’ll get all of the same benefits and support! The only difference is the time commitment (plus you get a cool sign to recognize your contribution!).

Ruby Gabriel

Graffiti Removal Program

The City of Tacoma is committed to keeping neighborhoods clean, safe, and inviting. Graffiti removal helps prevent property damage, maintain property values, improve the visual appeal of neighborhoods and commercial areas, and deter future vandalism. We offer free removal services and reimbursement options to support private property owners in addressing graffiti quickly and we fund a full-time crew in Public Works who remove graffiti on public property.

Private Property Graffiti Mitigation 

Free Graffiti Removal (one (1) cleanup per calendar year)

Tidy-Up Tacoma provides one (1) free graffiti removal per calendar year for eligible private property owners. A local graffiti removal contractor will handle the cleanup.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Location: Property must be located within Tacoma city limits
• Visibility: Graffiti must be visible from a major arterial roadway (side streets and alleys are not eligible).
• Property Type: Only private properties are eligible (WSDOT and Tacoma Public Schools properties do not qualify).
• Authorization: A signed authorization form must be completed by the property owner or an authorized representative.
• Occupancy: Property must be occupied (vacant buildings or lots are not eligible).
• Water Supply: If pressure washing is required, the property owner must provide water access.
• Graffiti Threshold: Graffiti must meet the contractor’s minimum callout threshold for removal. If the graffiti does not meet the contractor’s minimum call-out, we partner with the Safe Streets Campaign to offer a cost reimbursement option (see below).

How do I apply?

Submit an Authorization Form:

• Online: Submit your authorization form here.
• Email: Send a scanned copy to graffiti@tacoma.gov
• Mail:
  City of Tacoma – Graffiti Removal Program
  3510 S Mullen Street
  Tacoma, WA 98409-2200

Authorization Forms:

• English
• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Russian
• Chinese
• Ukrainian
• Khmer
• Korean

Cost Reimbursement

If a property does not qualify for free graffiti removal, owners may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $100 for cleanup supplies. Tidy-Up Tacoma partners with Safe Streets for the cost reimbursement program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Location: Property must be within Tacoma city limits.
• Property Type: Only private properties are eligible (WSDOT and Tacoma Public Schools properties do not qualify).

Documentation Required for Reimbursement:

• Before & after photos of the graffiti removal.
• Receipts for purchased supplies (including tax).
• For reimbursement email your before & after photos and your supply receipt to:

  RoxAnne Simon at rsimon@safest.org for reimbursement of up to $100 in supplies such as paint, brushes and rollers.   

Public Property Graffiti Mitigation

Tidy-Up Tacoma partners with Public Works to remove graffiti on public property. Each year, our crew removes thousands of graffiti tags from public property, such as trails, infrastructure in the right-of-way, and public buildings.

How to Report Graffiti

• In Progress: If you witness graffiti vandalism in action, call 911 immediately.
• On both Private Property and Public Property:
  • Call 311 (253-591-5000 if outside Tacoma city limits); or
  • Submit a “Graffiti Concern” report via Tacoma FIRST 311.
• On WSDOT Property (e.g., I-5, SR-16): Report graffiti to WSDOT.
• If you are a victim of graffiti, follow these steps:
  • File a police report online or by calling (253) 287-4455.
  • Take photos for documentation (homeowner’s insurance and/or police report).
  • If filing a claim, contact your homeowner’s insurance agent.
  • If you want the private graffiti program to remove the qualifying graffiti, submit an authorization form via Tacoma FIRST 311 (see authorization forms above).
  • If you want to address the graffiti yourself and want to be reimbursed for the supplies, contact RoxAnne Simon with Safe Streets at rsimon@safest.org.
     

For questions about the Private graffiti program contact: 

Ruby Gabriel

Purple Bag Program

Our Purple Bag Program provides regular waste pickup services at homeless encampments across the city. Purple bags are a temporary solution to help individuals experiencing homelessness maintain clean and safe living areas until they can connect with shelters or housing opportunities.

How to get involved

For more information, visit the Purple Bag Program page or contact Sayde Heminger.

Sayde Heminger