While Baltimore proudly carries the title “The City That Reads,” perhaps it should also be recognized as “The City That Reads – and Cleans.”
This year marks the 26th annual Mayor’s Fall Clean-Up and Day of Service, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott, along with the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA), is inviting community members, local associations, students, and volunteer groups to participate in this citywide volunteer initiative. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 21, featuring cleanup efforts throughout Baltimore City. Individuals looking to lend a hand should register in advance to take part.
“Maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of Baltimore is a shared responsibility,” Mayor Scott expressed. “This event provides residents with a chance to actively participate, demonstrate their love for their neighborhoods, and collaborate with city crews to make a difference. I urge everyone—residents, community associations, and volunteers of all ages—to join us and contribute to creating safer, healthier, and cleaner neighborhoods that all Baltimoreans deserve.”
The DPW notes that the mayor’s seasonal clean-up initiative originated in March 2000, during Martin O’Malley’s tenure as mayor. Over 25 years later, the Spring 2026 Clean-Up saw around 1,506 volunteers from various neighborhoods and organizations actively participating. Notably, Council District 7 had the greatest number of registered groups this year, with 27 groups signing up to help.
Interested individuals, groups, or sponsors can easily register for the event.
Participants can collect cleanup bags starting on Oct. 14 from the following locations (please have your 311-service request number ready when picking up supplies.):
- 2840 Sisson Street – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Monday-Saturday
- 111 Kane Street – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Monday-Friday
Neighborhood associations and community groups can receive up to 50 cleanup bags, while individual residents may collect up to five bags. Note that multiple registrations from the same organization or address will not increase the supply of bags available.
Participants are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines:
- REQUEST COLLECTION DURING REGISTRATION – Registered participants can request the collection of properly bagged cleanup debris during the registration process. City crews will arrange to collect bags from the specified cleanup locations.
- BAG ALL DEBRIS – It is essential that all trash and debris be securely bagged and placed at the confirmed collection site. Any properly bagged household trash not collected as part of the event should be set out for normal weekly trash pickup.
- UTILIZE RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTERS WHEN FEASIBLE – Residents can bring accepted materials to designated City Residential Recycling Drop-Off Centers. Please note, commercial vehicles are prohibited at these centers.
- AVOID BULK COLLECTION OR ROLL-OFF DUMPSTERS – Bulk items will not be collected during the Fall Clean-Up, and roll-off dumpsters will not be available for this event.
Volunteering for the Mayor’s Fall Clean-Up can yield additional benefits aside from community enhancement and civic pride. Students from grades 3 to 12 participating in qualified cleanup activities may be eligible to earn Service-Learning Hours. Furthermore, registered participants may qualify for up to $30 in annual stormwater fee credits for eligible cleanup activities, provided they register through 311 and fulfill all program requirements.
A representative from the DPW informed Baltimore Fishbowl that while they do not track the total number of trash bags filled during these seasonal clean-up events, they emphasize that significant quantities of trash, litter, debris, and bulk waste are collected as part of the city’s comprehensive clean-up endeavors. Throughout the day, Mayor Scott typically visits various clean-up sites across the city, engaging with volunteers. Social media posts even feature Scott donning gloves and assisting with bagging trash himself.
Matthew W. Garbark, director of the DPW, mentioned, “The Fall Clean-Up illustrates the positive outcomes achievable when DPW crews and Baltimore residents collaborate. Our teams work diligently every day to maintain clean streets, alleys, and neighborhoods, and this event encourages residents to contribute to that endeavor. Building on the success of the Charm City Cleanup, we are fostering community efforts to create tangible improvements in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore.”
An intriguing question arises concerning whether the DPW collaborates with the Trash Wheel family during these seasonal Clean-Up events, or if the land and sea operations function independently.
The DPW spokesperson clarified, “Though DPW does not directly coordinate with Mr. Trash Wheel for this event, our initiatives to maintain cleanliness in Baltimore’s neighborhoods and waterways extend well beyond designated clean-up days. DPW engages in year-round operations, including mechanical street sweeping to help prevent litter and debris from entering storm drains and natural water bodies. Additionally, DPW supports community cleanup efforts that involve volunteers in safeguarding local waterways. These initiatives complement the work of other organizations dedicated to protecting the harbor.”
For more information regarding the Mayor’s 2026 Fall Clean-Up and Day of Service, interested parties can email moca@baltimorecity.gov.
