Safety Tips

Participant safety is the highest priority at our cleanups. Please read the following safety tips and take every precaution to avoid personal injury.

• Watch for and avoid hazards such as wild animals, insects, noxious weeks, glass.
• Wear appropriate and protective clothing according to the weather (boots, gloves, sunscreen).
• Be mindful of vehicles when near or adjacent to a road.
• Don’t pick up any materials that may be especially hazardous such as chemicals, dead animals, bird, or SHARPs, like needles. Instead, mark the location and dial 311 immediately.
  

Parks Cleanup FAQs

How can I register?

There are three easy ways to register:

1. Online complete the Registration Form online.
2. Telephone 905.874.2828
3. Email bramptongreencity@brampton.ca

What are the differences between a Self-Led Cleanup and an Organized Cleanup?

Organized cleanups are dates set-up by City of Brampton volunteers at designated parks. Self-led cleanups are initiated by yourself, choosing whichever greenspace/park you prefer, as well as a date and cleanup time that is convenient to your schedule.

Can volunteers choose a cleanup space other than a park; a waterway, valley land or boulevard?

All greenspaces in need of a cleaning are welcome, but volunteer safety is the highest priority! For this reason, participants are asked to stay away from waterways and boulevards.

Who can participate in a Parks Cleanup?

Individuals, families, friends, elected officials, book clubs, sport leagues, faith organizations, Scouting and Guiding groups, business associations, schools and more are all welcome to participate!  For safety reasons, children must be supervised by an adult.

What if I can’t attend the Parks Cleanup on the day I registered?

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances like inclement weather mean volunteers cannot participate on their designated day. Don’t worry! Select a new date and carry on!

Is pre-registration mandatory?

​Registration is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged for 3 reasons:

• Upon registration, garbage bags and gloves are distributed to volunteers through pick-up at the Recreation Centre of your choice, (courtesy of our sponsor GLAD). 
• Upon registration, organizations and groups requiring assistance with event coordination are contacted by City staff.  Registration details allows for 2-way conversations.  Click here to review the City’s privacy statement.  
• Through the registration process Parks staff can identify event dates and park locations requiring garbage collection. 

What supplies are provided and where do I access them?

​Prior to your event date, garbage bags and gloves are distributed to participantss by Recreation staff, courtesy of our sponsor GLAD. As part of the registration, you will pick a convenient Recreation Centre to pick up your supplies.      

How is garbage disposed of once it is collected?

Through the Park Cleanup registration process, Parks staff will identify and coordinate garbage collection at your requested location, and an email confirmation will be sent to you highlighting where the garbage pick-up will be. Alternatively, self-led volunteers are welcome to take bags of garbage home for disposal at the curb as part of household pick-up.

Can students collect volunteer service hours?

Yes, students may qualify for volunteer service hours by participating in an Organized Cleanup. Bring your volunteer form with you, and a City staff member will be happy to sign-off on your contribution! 

What are the benefits of participating?

City parks provide valuable leisure spaces, immeasurable health benefits, a connection to nature, and opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. By participating in a Parks Cleanup, you can help give back to these green spaces and uncover even more benefits:

• Parks, recreational trails, waterways, conservation lands, woodlots, boulevards and community gardens provide Brampton residents with a beautiful setting that contributes to our quality of life!
• By being physically active in Brampton’s great outdoors, one’s health and wellbeing increases while reducing the risk of illness. 
• Research shows that contact with the natural world improves physical and psychological well-being including reduced levels of anxiety and depression.
• Maintained parks and open spaces increases the value of neighbouring residential property. Evidence points to a similar benefit for commercial properties.
• Green spaces, like Brampton’s Gage Park and Chinguacousy Park draw tourists who contribute to our economy and the wellbeing of local businesses.
• Trees in Brampton provide substantial environmental benefits, reducing air and water pollution while helping to keep our City cooler.
• Wetlands filter storm water before reaching our rivers. Also, tree root systems present cost efficient and effective alternatives to building additional concrete sewers and drainage ditches to manage erosion and storm run-off.
• Green spaces and waterways provide important habitats for wildlife.
• Students 13 to 18 years of age can contribute while earning volunteer service hours!
• There is no cost to participate in a Parks Cleanup
• Cooperating to take care of something that belongs to all of us is a way for Brampton residents to meet each other and develop new friendships. The annual Parks Cleanup campaign builds community spirit!

What other support does the City provide to community groups conducting cleanups?

You can add your cleanup event to the City's events calendar. Click on 'submit an event' at the bottom of the Events page. If your organization would like to use the City's customizable poster template, contact us at rec-connects@brampton.ca.