Do not pick up hazardous or unsafe items, including but not limited to:

• Guns or knives
• Broken glass
• Medical waste such as needles or hazard bags
• Dead animals
• Wildlife such as snakes
• Closed or sealed buckets, containers, or drums
• Partially buried items
• Poisonous plants
• Any item that feels unsafe or uncomfortable to handle

If hazardous items are encountered, do not attempt to remove them. Take note of the location and report it to your site coordinator or group leader. If no coordinator is present, contact the City of Carrollton Environmental Quality team for guidance.

For safety reasons:

• Never reach into crevices, dense brush, under rocks, or structures
• Do not enter waterways to retrieve debris
• Use tools when items are out of arm’s reach
• Be sure to check for ticks after spending time outside, especially in wooded areas and tall grass.

Group cleanups may include additional site-specific safety instructions based on location or conditions.

Wear clothing appropriate for outdoor work, the weather, and the cleanup location. This can include:

• Sturdy, closed toe shoes
• Gloves
• Long pants and long sleeved shirts
• Hats or caps
• Sandals and flip flops should NOT be worn at cleanup sites.

Bring items needed to stay safe and comfortable during your cleanup:

• Water for hydration
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (may not be supplied by cleanup sites)
• A light snack
• A phone or camera to document collected litter

Depending on the location, clothing and shoes may get wet or dirty. Bring additional clothing or footwear as needed. Group leaders should ensure participants are wearing appropriate footwear.

When attending an organized cleanup event or on your own, make sure your belongings and valuables are secure or simply leave them at home. Cleanup sites are not responsible for lost or stolen valuables.

Check the weather forecast before your cleanup. Texas weather can change quickly, so stay alert for storms or high winds and remain aware of surroundings. Check the pollen count before heading out, as seasonal allergies are common in North Central Texas.

Cold Weather

• Bundle up in lightweight, waterproof layers to stay insulated and make it easy to adjust for comfort if it gets too warm. Be aware that wet clothing will be more susceptible to cold.
  
  
• If chilly and noticing a body part or skin that is red, numb, hard, and/or pale, rewarm with skin-to-skin contact such as warming fingers under armpits.
  
  
• Bring a warm drink such as apple cider or hot chocolate in an insulated mug.
  
  
• Some snake species brumate (hibernate without food) for the entire winter, while others, such as garter snakes and cottonmouths, are more cold tolerant and may awaken to sun themselves on warmer winter days.

• Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, be sure to wear protective clothing and use insect repellant.
  
  
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants that are loose-fitting and lightweight can help to stay cool. Light-colored clothing can make it easier to see insects and ticks.
  
  
• Don't forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen on all exposed body areas. Use sunscreen on cloudy days, in the shade and especially when in or near water.
  
  
• Be aware of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Warning signs can include red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; muscle cramps; tiredness and unconsciousness.
    
    
  • If someone starts to experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately, move them to a shady spot, and begin cooling them using whatever methods are available. 
    
    
• Plan your event for early morning if possible.
  
  
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Take frequent breaks to cool down.
  
  
• Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
  

Carrollton’s waterways, even in urban areas, are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, insects, fish, and small mammals. We encourage all volunteers to be respectful and protective of these natural habitats.

Volunteers should remain alert for snakes, harmful insects, and other wildlife.

If you encounter wildlife, give it space and alert others in your group to its presence. Do not approach, touch, or feed wildlife or feral domestic animals.

Be aware of harmful plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, thorns, and vines. Wearing gloves can help reduce the risk of contact. 

Follow these guidelines to minimize disruption:

• Observe, don’t disturb: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could stress wildlife. If you encounter animals such as turtles, birds, or small mammals, do not approach, touch, or feed them.
  
  
• Leave natural items in place: Do not remove rocks, logs, or plants, as these may serve as homes or nesting grounds for animals.
  
  
• Avoid trampling vegetation: Stick to designated paths or open areas, when possible, to preserve ground cover and reduce erosion.
  
  
• Watch for nesting areas: In spring and summer, some animals may be nesting or rearing young. Be especially mindful around brush piles, under logs, and near the water’s edge.
  
  
• Use tools instead of hands: Always use litter pickers or grabbers to avoid reaching into areas that may be hiding spots for animals.
  
  
• Pack out what you pack in: Be sure to take all personal items and trash with you to prevent any harm to the environment.

By taking small, thoughtful actions, we can ensure that our cleanup efforts support, not disrupt, the ecosystem.

• Sometimes litter can be very small; however, it still has a big impact. Don’t be discouraged if you are cleaning up a site that only has small pieces of litter or debris, such as candy wrappers or cigarette butts, as this still impacts the overall health of our environment.
  
  
• If at first glance the location you are cleaning does not look very littered, take a closer look along curbs, in parking lots, around storm drains, or along the brush-line where litter tends to accumulate. 
  
  
• If you are concerned about encountering wildlife, such as snakes, at a cleanup event, consider participating at events held during colder months. Not only are they likely to not be out, but it should also be easier to spot them when vegetation is scarcer. 
  
  
• Do not wander onto anyone’s private property or dispose of any litter or items in their trash or recycling carts. 
  
  
• Have fun and take a few moments to enjoy the nature and beauty around you!