Tidy-Up Tacoma

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Request Tidy-Up Tacoma services?

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.

How can I get involved with Tidy-Up Tacoma?

There are several programs where community involvement plays an important role. Visit our Community Cleanup Programs page to learn more about How to get involved!

• Adopt-a-Spot / Neighborhood Litter Patrol: Help reduce litter and keep our public spaces clean by participating in one of these programs. Participants 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.

How is Tidy-Up Tacoma funded?

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!

Environmental Services Cleanup Efforts FAQs

What litter cleanup efforts are already in place in Tacoma?
Tacoma already has ongoing cleanup and beautification efforts in place through the Tidy-Up Tacoma program. Existing resources are being strategically focused on areas expected to experience higher traffic and increased visibility, while continuing to support cleanup efforts citywide. 

What areas will receive additional cleanup attention?
Environmental Services will prioritize cleanup resources in areas with high traffic and greater community need, while continuing cleanup efforts across the city. 

How can community members report litter or blight?
Community members can support cleanup efforts by reporting litter, illegal dumping, or blight concerns through the City’s Tacoma FIRST 311 customer service center at tacoma.gov/311.  

How can volunteers help with cleanup efforts in their neighborhood?
Volunteers interested in supporting cleanup efforts can participate through Tidy-Up Tacoma Community Cleanup Programs. This program supports residents, community groups, and volunteers who want to help clean neighborhoods and public spaces throughout Tacoma. It provides resources and support for organized community cleanup efforts. 

Will cleanup efforts continue after these summer activities?
Yes. These efforts are a continuation of Tacoma’s ongoing citywide cleanup and beautification programs that operate year-round to help keep Tacoma clean, welcoming, and well-maintained. 

To view the Tidy-Up Tacoma Dashboard and find information on the number of pounds of garbage removed, as well as the number of cleanups and 311 requests completed through the program, visit tacoma.gov/tidyup. 

Are there any freeway sweeping efforts that take place in Tacoma?
Yes. Environmental Services, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation, conducts quarterly freeway sweeping operations, litter and debris removal, and spraying and vegetation maintenance. This work takes place along portions of State Route 509 (SR 509) and Highway 705. The second quarterly sweeping operation of this year began in May 2026. 

Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 10,900 pounds of material and debris were removed during the first day of operations, including about 10,300 pounds collected by sweepers and 600 pounds collected by hand crews. Final totals are still being compiled as operations continue. 

Public Works Cleanup Efforts FAQs

What graffiti cleanup efforts are already in place in Tacoma?
The City of Tacoma has an active year-round graffiti mitigation program led by Public Works and Tidy-Up Tacoma. These efforts help keep neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming across all five Council Districts. 

How much graffiti has the City cleaned up this year?
Since the start of the year, Public Works has addressed more than 1,500 graffiti tags totaling over 8,000 square feet of cleanup citywide. This reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to rapid response and public space maintenance. 

Will Tacoma increase cleanup efforts ahead of summer activities?
Yes. Tacoma’s Public Works Department will place additional emphasis on graffiti mitigation in and around key visitor corridors, and other highly visible areas throughout the city. This focus continues the City’s ongoing year-round cleanup and graffiti response efforts. 

How is Tacoma partnering with the community on graffiti cleanup?
Tacoma’s approach includes partnerships with community organizations and regional agencies. Through Tidy-Up Tacoma and the Safe Streets Campaign, eligible private property owners can access: 

• Free graffiti removal services once per year; or
• Reimbursement support for cleanup efforts  

These programs help encourage quick cleanup and discourage repeat vandalism. 

Is the City coordinating with WSDOT on cleanup efforts?
Yes. Public Works is coordinating closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) regarding graffiti mitigation on state-owned corridors and infrastructure. 

Will Tacoma crews clean graffiti on WSDOT property?
Yes. Public Works graffiti crews will proactively address graffiti on WSDOT corridors that City crews can safely access during the first few weeks of June 2026. 

Neighborhood and Community Services FAQs

What is the City’s homelessness outreach program?
The City launched its homelessness outreach efforts in 2017. Today, this work is carried out by the Homelessness Engagement and Alternative Liaison (HEAL) Team, which provides services and support to unhoused residents across the entire city. Learn more about the HEAL Team. 

What does the HEAL Team do?
HEAL leads with a services‑first approach. This means the team engages with unhoused residents, offers to connect them to resources such as shelter, and helps ensure compliance with Tacoma Municipal Code, including areas where unauthorized camping is not allowed. Learn more about the City’s Encampment Policies and Procedures. 

What areas in Tacoma are considered no‑camping zones?
Ordinance No. 29064, passed by City Council on October 21, 2025, and Ordinance No. 28831, passed on October 11, 2022, prohibit camping and the storage of personal belongings on public property within: 

• 10 blocks of a Temporary or Emergency Shelter located in the “Downtown Zone,” which includes the area north of S. 38th Street, east of S. Union Street, west of the Puyallup River, and south of Commencement Bay; 
• Five blocks of a Temporary Shelter or Emergency Shelter located outside of the “Downtown Zone;” and 
• Two blocks of a public school serving grades K-12, public park, or public library.  

Why is the City increasing outreach and services in June?
During June, warmer weather and an increased number of visitors can create additional challenges for people living outside. Heat can pose health risks, and higher visitor activity can make transportation and movement more difficult for unhoused residents.

What additional support will the City provide during this period?
To help meet community needs, the City will temporarily increase outreach efforts and expand access to supplies such as water, hygiene products, and snacks. Additional day services and extra shelter beds will also be made available.

How does the City decide when to increase services?
The HEAL Team routinely monitors community conditions and adjusts support based on emerging needs, seasonal changes, and shifting dynamics across Tacoma.