Frequently Asked Questions
When do you meet?
We typically meet 1x per month, depending on weather.
Please check out the "Join" tab of our website for the most up-to-date details on new events!
You can also follow us on Instagram and FaceBook, as well as sign-up for our email newsletter by sending an email to
Where do you meet?
We typically meet within Syracuse city limits. The location and time of each event is announced via our email newsletter and social media, in addition to the "join" section of this website.
The location changes each time. Locations are selected by the organizer based on a variety of factors, including socialization venue (casual, counter-service, etc.), pedestrian safety, and presence of litter. When its too snowy or icy, we pivot to an alternative indoor service activity.
Our past cleanups have been in the Southside, Northside, Franklin Square, Inner Harbor, Lower East Side, and Downtown neighborhoods of Syracuse.
How do you dispose of the trash?
DeTrash Syracuse is a registered volunteer group with the Adopt-A-Block program through the City of Syracuse's Mayor's Office. Per the program's guidelines, we collect trash and leave in on a visible street corner. We later reports the trash for pickup via the SyrCityline online app.
Recycling and bottle/can redemption is completed individually by volunteers.
Needles are disposed of according to guidance from OCCRA: sealed in any hard plastic container, labeled sharps, and thrown in with
regular trash.
What supplies do you provide?
Disposable nitrile gloves, 36-inch trash grabbers (brand: Harbor Freight), and trash bags are provided.
If you are looking to make an in-kind donation, we will gladly accept any of the above. We would also be grateful to snacks, meals, or drinks for volunteers during our labor-intensive events. You can bring them to an event, or email detrashsyracuse@gmail.com to set up a time and place for pickup.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children and teens are more than welcome! It is great to instill environmental stewardship and community engagement at young age. We just ask that they are accompanied by an adult.
We currently only have adult-size trash pickers that are 36 inches long. If your child or teen can use this sized grabber, or has their own smaller size grabber, they are more than welcome. (Everyone is always welcome to use their hands as well! We provide gloves.)
One thing to note is that we do occasionally stumble across needles and used adult contraceptive materials during our cleanups. This is a sad reality of public spaces in Syracuse. There is never any pressure or obligation for anyone to pick these items up. We just want to give a heads up to parents.
(In addition, we will never photograph or video minors.)
How are you funded and structured?
DeTrash Syracuse is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the more formal name - DeTrash Syracuse 315, Inc - with three individuals serving on the board of directions - Erika Oller, Will Carver, and Brian Wood.
Our EIN is 42-4292539.
We are presently awaiting for our application to become a registered charity in NYS.
Eventually, we hope to be able to have formalized processes for donations and fundraising.
Meet the Team
Founder, Program Manager
Erika Oller, LCSW
I started picking up trash by myself in early 2025. I felt increasingly hopeless and helpless at the state of the world. With much encouragement from friends, I decided to try and turn my trash-walking into something bigger.
Outside of DeTrash Syracuse, I work full-time as a social worker. You may also find me playing pickleball and obsessing over my two cats. I am originally from the Chicagoland area and am a transplant to Syracuse, as of approximately 2 years ago.
I serve on the board of directors.
Events Manager
Will Carver
As an NY native and transplant to the Syracuse area, I was looking for a way to volunteer locally and make new friends. I came across a post about DeTrash on social media and decided to check it out. Between the wonderful community and the tangible impact we were making, I was hooked from the start and have been a consistent member ever since.
When I'm not helping out with DeTrash or working as a software engineer, you can usually find me rock climbing, swing dancing, gardening, or hanging out with my two cats.
I serve on the board of directors.
Team Lead
Brian Wood
This part of our webiste is under construction.
Brian serves on the board of directors.
Bio and photo to come soon!