Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cleanup? What is the schedule?
The 24th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup is scheduled for Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22, 2023. Times will vary by site location.
Is there a rain date for the Cleanup?
At this time there is no rain date for the Charles River Cleanup. Rain dates may vary by group. Please inquire with organization you plan on volunteering with for more information.
How can I register for the Cleanup?
Volunteers can register for the Charles River Cleanup by visiting our registration page and contacting the site coordinator that corresponds to the location where you would like to volunteer.
When will registration close for the Cleanup?
Registration for the Cleanup will close as sites fill. Depending on site location, sign-ups may close several weeks prior to the Cleanup.
Is there a fee to participate in the Cleanup?
The Charles River Cleanup is free for all community members, with a suggested donation of $5 per person to help support management and supplies. However, a donation is required for corporate groups to participate. This donation will go directly to the non-profit hosting your project. Please view our registration page for more information.
Where do I meet my group for the Cleanup?
You will receive information on your exact meeting location and project details like what tasks you'll be doing and what to bring, from the coordinator at the non-profit hosting your project. Please contact the non-profit coordinator in your service area with questions specific to your project.
What supplies are provided for the Cleanup? What should I bring?
Trash bags will be provided at all sites. Depending on location, gloves and pickup sticks may also be available. All participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves if you have them. Prior to your project, you will receive an update from your site coordinator with specific details on meeting location, what to bring, and more.
At the completion of the Cleanup, volunteers will stack trash which will be collected by municipal public works departments or the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Each volunteer team will then fill out a form reporting how many pounds of trash they collected and what items they found.
How do volunteer days look different in the time of COVID-19?
We are continuing to monitor the health guidelines provided by the CDC, city of Boston and state of Massachusetts. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Masks are encouraged for unvaccinated individuals.