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Spring cleanup: volunteers collected more than 12,000 pounds of trash in 2026
Summary
City staff reported that spring cleanup weeks in 2026 yielded over 12,000 pounds of collected garbage, 384 volunteers and roughly 1,000 volunteer hours—substantially more participation and collection weight than 2025.
City staff presented results from the city’s spring cleanup weeks and said the 2026 effort collected more than 12,000 pounds of waste with 384 volunteers participating during the three-week period.
"In 2026, we picked up over 12,000 pounds of garbage in that 3 week period," Brandon Mullen told council, adding that the kickoff events and outreach produced stronger turnout and more collected waste than the prior year. Mullen noted partners including Slice (UW Student Life), AARP and the Beautification Committee supported the work through donations, volunteer recruitment and supplies.
Mullen said the cleanup produced nearly 1,000 volunteer hours during the event period and that some large groups that participate do not always register individually in the software, meaning the recorded totals are likely conservative. City staff highlighted the program’s ability to coordinate volunteers, supply PPE and track contributions through the platform.
No formal policy was adopted during the session; councilors and staff discussed continuing the program and exploring additional outreach and coordination measures for rental-turnover days and other predictable refuse peaks.
