Tidy-Up Tacoma
Tidy-Up Tacoma, part of the City’s Environmental Services Department, works to keep Tacoma clean and visually appealing. We collaborate with residents, businesses, and community organizations to guide clean-up efforts and address immediate cleanliness and litter concerns. The program supports community involvement, fostering pride and creating a healthier, more inviting Tacoma.
Request a Tidy-Up ServiceWhy is Litter a Concern?
Litter is waste that’s been improperly disposed of, with over 50 billion pieces on the ground across the U.S. – about 152 pieces per person. It harms health by releasing toxins, spreading diseases, and causing the deaths of around one million animals each year. Litter is also costly, with local governments spending $11.5 billion annually on cleanup and property values potentially dropping by 7% due to litter.
Did You Know? Unsecured loads cause 40% of roadside litter. When hauling trash of any kind, be sure to secure your load!
What Services Does Tidy-Up Tacoma Provide?
Tidy-Up Tacoma supports 11 full-time employees who proactively address:
- Litter and debris clean-up in public spaces
- Graffiti mitigation and removal
- Trail maintenance
- Public garbage can maintenance
The program also offers additional community services, including:
- Bill credit payment assistance for low-income households
- Support for community-based volunteer clean-up organizations
- Purple Bag Program for regular waste pick-ups at select encampments
- Encampment garbage and debris removal
In addition, the Tidy-Up Tacoma program and the City’s Public Works department partner with the Washington State Department of Transportation quarterly for assistance with graffiti removal, litter clean-up, and sweeping the shoulders of Interstate 705, State Route 509, Highway 16, and State Route 7 between Interstate 5 and South 38th Street.
Tidy-Up Tacoma Dashboard
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tacoma FIRST 311 is the best way to request services and track the progress of your request. You can access this service by phone, web, or mobile app:
- By Phone: City of Tacoma staff are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday to answer general questions and address issues related to City of Tacoma services. If you’re calling from within city limits, dial 311 (or (253) 591-5000  if you’re calling from outside city limits).
- Online: Tacoma FIRST 311 is available online 24-hours a day at tacoma.gov/311.
- Mobile App: A mobile app is available for download on Apple and Android devices.
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There are several programs where community involvement plays an important role:
- Adopt-a-Spot / Neighborhood Litter Patrol: Help reduce litter and keep our public spaces clean by volunteering. Volunteers receive free safety and litter pick-up supplies. Contact the Program Coordinator at (253) 502-2100 or litter@tacoma.gov for questions or more information.
- Adopt-a-Storm Drain: Volunteer 15 minutes, twice a month, to keep our waterways clean and communities healthy. Adopt a storm drain in your neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution and prevent localized flooding.
- Neighborhood Pet Waste Station: Sponsor a dog waste station with bags and signage to remind dog walkers to scoop, bag, and trash dog waste.
- Become a Volunteer: As an individual or as part of community groups, you are part of the solution to protecting Tacoma’s environment.
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The City Council approved a 6% local excise tax on solid waste services as part of the 2023-2024 biennial budget. The funds generated from this tax continue to support Tidy-Up Tacoma, which was previously funded with one-time money from the American Rescue Plan Act and other City funds. On average, a residential customer with a 60-gallon garbage container will see about $3 per month added to their bill.
For more information, join a community-based cleanup organization and help us keep Tacoma clean and beautiful!
Community Partners
Check out some of the local organizations we partner with and learn more about how to get involved! Volunteer, host a clean up event in your neighborhood, or participate in a city-wide clean up.
Learn More