Frequently Asked Questions
When do you meet?
We typically meet 1-2x per month, depending on weather and interest!
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 Franklin Square, Inner Harbor, Lower East Side, and Downtown Syracuse, and more.
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. The organizer later reports the trash for pickup via the SyrCityline online app.
Recycling and bottle/can redemption is completed individually by the organizer at home and Wegman's, respectively.
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?
Presently, DeTrash Syracuse is a single entity LLC.
We have considered pursuing nonprofit 501c3 status; however, there are very high administrative, financial, and time-barriers to pursue this.
Currently, the organizer (Erika) provides all funding for all materials out of pocket.
If anyone is looking to make donations, we are primarily in need of more trash pickers, trash bags, and gloves. We would also be grateful to snacks, meals, or drinks for volunteers during our labor-intensive events.
