Neighborhood Cleanups
Keeping an entire city clean is a big job—and everyone can play a part! DPW's Helping Hand Program provides tools and trash bags to community groups organizing neighborhood cleanup projects. Graffiti paint-out kits are also available. DPW will even send trucks to pick up the bagged trash collected by tired volunteers!

Tool Kits
DPW will loan your group tool kits to assist your cleanup efforts. Each tool kit contains the following: five rakes, five brooms, two shovels, plus 20 trash bags. A $20 refundable deposit is required for all tool kits loaned under the Helping Hand Program. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the DC Treasurer. Refunds will be made after all tools (minus trash bags) are returned in good condition.

Helping Hand is usually the most active on weekends between March and October. To meet demand, groups are asked to apply two weeks in advance of a scheduled cleanup event to ensure the availability of tools.

When the cleanup date is confirmed by a Helping Hand Coordinator, a control number will be assigned for tracking purposes and the event will be added to the Helping Hand calendar. The Helping Hand Coordinator will also help you get bagged trash collected following your neighborhood cleanup. The Department of Public Works can only service an event for which a date has been confirmed and control number assigned.

Helping Hand Application Forms
If you have any questions about the Helping Hand Program, or need an application form, please call the Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP) office at (202) 645-7190.

Hours of Operation
8:15 am - 4:45 pm, Monday through Friday
We Will Resolve Within 14 days