5 Must-Have Items for Picking Up Litter

Whether you're joining a community cleanup, organizing your own, or just want to leave your neighborhood a little cleaner than you found it, picking up litter is a small act with a big impact. But like any job, having the right tools makes all the difference. From safety to efficiency, here are the 5 must-have items that will make your litter-picking efforts easier, cleaner, and even more rewarding. 

1. Litter Picker Tool

Now we may be a little biased, but this one is a no-brainer. A litter picker tool is the #1 item for cleanups of any kind. It saves your back from constant bending and keeps your hands away from sharp or unsanitary debris. Plus, it makes it easier to reach trash in bushes, gutters, or awkward corners. 

ArcMate offers a variety of reachers for a multitude of different people, environments, and preferences. Our EZ Reacher Outdoor line features many different lengths, while our Orang-U-Tongs line features bright colors for visibility and many different configurations to choose from.  

Need help picking a reacher for your cleanup? Reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help! 

2. Protective Gloves

Don’t skip gloves! Even with a grabber tool, gloves are essential for handling bags, removing stubborn litter, or dealing with wet or sharp items. A good pair of protective gloves keeps your hands clean and safe from cuts, grime, or bacteria. 

Look for gloves that are: 

• Durable and puncture-resistant 

• Comfortable for extended use 

• Easy to wash or disposable (depending on your needs) 

3. Safety Vest

If you’re cleaning near roads, in parking lots, or anywhere with foot or vehicle traffic, a high-visibility safety vest is a must. Bright colors and reflective strips help drivers and others see you from a distance. 

Whether you're solo or part of a group, a vest adds a level of safety and professionalism to your cleanup. Bonus points if you customize them for team events or company cleanups! 

4. Bag Holder or Trash Bag Ring

Wrestling with a floppy trash bag is nobody’s idea of fun. That’s where a bag holder or trash bag ring comes in. These simple tools keep your trash bag wide open and steady, so you can drop litter in quickly with one hand. 

They’re especially helpful when: 

• You're picking up trash solo 

• It's windy out 

• You’re dealing with large or awkward debris 

5. xLitter App

You’re doing good—why not track it? The xLitter app is your digital cleanup companion. Use it to: 

• Track how much litter you've picked up 

• Log different types of trash 

• Join a growing community of eco-conscious people 

It’s free to use and a fun way to stay motivated and see the difference you're making! 

Download xLitter today and turn your cleanup into a movement. 

Ready to Gear Up? 

Litter picking might seem simple, but with the right tools, it becomes safer, cleaner, and a lot more efficient. Whether you're a weekend warrior or part of a larger movement, these 5 items—a litter picker, gloves, vest, bag holder, and the xLitter app—are your ultimate cleanup toolkit. 

Let’s make cleaner streets, parks, and waterways together—one piece of litter at a time. 

Shop litter pick-up tools now at ArcMate 

Download the xLitter app and join the movement!