How to Organize or Attend a Waterfront Cleanup

There’s something uniquely satisfying about standing beside a sparkling stream, a clean lakefront, or a debris-free shoreline—especially when you helped make it that way. 

Waterfront cleanups are a powerful way to protect our environment, bring communities together, and restore natural beauty. Whether you’re joining an event or planning your own, the process is more rewarding (and much easier) with the right gear. That’s where the Waterway Pro comes in—a specialized tool designed to handle the wet, slippery challenge of litter in and around waterways. 

Why Waterfront Cleanups Matter 

Litter that ends up in lakes, rivers, creeks, and oceans doesn’t just stay there; it spreads. It harms wildlife, pollutes drinking water sources, and contributes to the global plastic crisis. And once it reaches the water, it's harder to remove. 

Community cleanups help stop that cycle. They raise awareness, beautify local areas, and empower people to be part of the solution. Every bottle, can, or wrapper you remove is one less hazard for marine life and one more step toward a cleaner planet. 

How to Attend a Waterfront Cleanup 

1. Find an Event Near You

Look for local cleanups hosted by environmental organizations, schools, or community groups. See if your region has a Keep America Beautiful affiliate near you, or you can search for cleanup events on social media platforms such as Facebook. 

2. What to Bring

You don’t need a lot to make an impact, but a few essentials will keep you comfortable and safe: 

• Durable gloves 

• Reusable water bottle 

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) 

• Closed-toe shoes or boots 

• Trash bags or buckets 

• Your secret weapon: the Waterway Pro.  

The Waterway Pro is especially handy for picking up items in damp, rocky, or muddy areas—places your hands might not want to go. 

3. Stay Safe

Be cautious near water. Look out for slippery rocks, unstable ground, and sharp debris. It’s always best to work in pairs and follow any safety guidelines provided by event organizers. 

Meet the Waterway Pro: Your Cleanup MVP 

The Orang-U-Tongs Squeezy Waterway Pro is built specifically for water-based cleanups. Here’s what makes it a standout: 

• Metal gripping discs for picking up slippery or submerged trash. 

• Lightweight and ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for long stretches. 

• Durable and reliable in wet, muddy, or rocky conditions. 

• Helps volunteers clean more efficiently and safely, especially near water. 

Whether you’re reaching into a rocky creek bed or snagging a plastic bottle from a dock, the Waterway Pro gets the job done without getting your hands wet. 

How to Organize Your Own Waterfront Cleanup 

If there isn’t a cleanup happening near you, why not start one? Here's how: 

1. Choose Your Spot

Scout a location that’s accessible, visibly in need of cleanup, and safe for volunteers. This could be a stream behind your school, a lakefront park, or even a neighborhood retention pond. 

2. Get Permission

Contact your local parks department or city offices to ensure you have any necessary permits and support. 

3. Gather Supplies

• Gloves and trash bags 

• First aid kit 

• Hand sanitizer and water 

• Cleanup tools like the Waterway Pro or other litter grabbers 

 These tools make it easy to reach and grip trash that’s stuck between rocks, floating in shallow water, or submerged just beneath the surface. 

4. Rally Your Community

Promote your cleanup through flyers, social media, or even school bulletins. You can even partner with local businesses to offer incentives or giveaways. 

5. Make It Easy to Participate

Set up clear stations for check-in, supplies, water, and trash drop-off. Give everyone a brief safety talk and explain what kind of trash to look for. Invite them to track their litter using tools such as xLitter so everyone can see how big of an impact they’ve made. 

Keep the Momentum Going 

Waterfront cleanups aren’t just one-and-done events. Consider: 

• Hosting follow-up cleanups every few months. 

• Encouraging schools, scout troops, or workplaces to participate. 

• Spreading awareness about the importance of litter prevention and recycling. 

Conclusion 

Whether you’re showing up to support a local initiative or launching one of your own, organizing or attending a waterfront cleanup is one of the most direct ways to make a difference in your community. And when you’re armed with the right tools—like the Waterway Pro—you can clean more efficiently, safely, and confidently. 

So grab your gear, rally your team, and let’s leave our waterways better than we found them.