5 Tools to Make Litter Cleanup a Breeze

Taking action to clean up litter is a powerful step toward preserving your local environment and promoting community health. Whether you're picking up trash solo in your neighborhood or teaming up with a group along a highway, having the right tools can make all the difference. While litter cleanup might seem as simple as picking up trash and tossing it into a bag, the right equipment can save time, reduce strain, and make the process enjoyable. 

Here are five essential tools to make your litter cleanup more efficient, safe, and satisfying. 

1. Safety Gear

Safety should always come first when tackling litter cleanup. Wearing bright, reflective clothing, such as a high-visibility safety vest or t-shirt, ensures you’re easily seen, especially in busy areas. Pair your outfit with sturdy, closed-toed shoes to protect your feet. Additionally, wear a good pair of gloves to protect your hands. 

For extra safety, consider: 

• A hard hat if cleaning near traffic. 

• • Federal regulations mandate that a Class II Safety Vest or Shirt be worn when working alongside highways. 

• A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. 

• Applying sunscreen to exposed skin. 

If you’re part of a group cleanup, follow the specific safety guidelines provided to ensure compliance and avoid risks. 

2. Buckets or Waste Carts

Trash bags can get a bit cumbersome to lug around while you pick up litter. Instead, you can opt for 5-gallon buckets to streamline the process. Buckets are easy to carry, and many organizations allow you to empty them into larger trash bags or collection vehicles. 

Want even more convenience? A wheeled cart or wagon lets you haul buckets or trash bags effortlessly while you clean up, making your task quicker and less tiring. 

3. Trash Bags

No litter cleanup is complete without sturdy trash bags. Heavy-duty contractor or landscaping bags are ideal for larger cleanups, as they can handle more items than a traditional kitchen-type bag. Don’t forget to secure the bag tightly when it’s full to avoid spills! 

Pro tip: Use a bag opener to keep the trash bag open for easier use. 

4. Litter Pickers

A litter picker is a must-have for efficient cleanup. These tools act as an extension of your arm, letting you grab trash without bending or straining your back. 

Litter pickers, also known as reachers, grabbers, pick-up tools, grabber sticks, or tongs-style tools, are perfect for collecting trash of all sizes, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 

Choose a picker that fits your needs: 

• Long-reach models for hard-to-reach spots. 

• Compact designs for easy storage. 

• Brightly colored tools to stay visible.

• Tongs-style grabbers for litter in dense shrubs.

At ArcMate, we offer a range of high-quality reachers designed to make cleanup a breeze, no matter the setting. 

5. Recording Devices

Understanding the type of litter you’re collecting helps you tackle pollution at its source. Many organizations categorize items like plastics, cigarette butts, and paper during cleanups to analyze their community’s waste trends. 

You can use: 

• A notebook and pen for tallying items. 

• Our upcoming litter tracking app, which allows you to log litter data hands-free by speaking into your phone. 

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when the app launches! 

Bonus tips for having a safe, efficient litter cleanup: 

• Plan Ahead: Choose tools based on the type of litter and cleanup location. 

• Stay Eco-Friendly: Opt for reusable or recyclable materials. 

• Involve Your Community: Team cleanups are faster, more fun, and foster connections. 
  

Conclusion 

Equipping yourself with the right tools transforms litter cleanup into an efficient and rewarding activity. By using safety gear, efficient collection tools, and innovative tracking devices, you’ll make a meaningful impact on your community and environment. 

Ready to gear up for your next cleanup? Visit the ArcMate shop to explore our range of eco-friendly tools or take advantage of special deals on litter pickers today!