Sacramento residents who want to beautify their neighborhood can access a free resource to help, and it’s easy to apply.  

The City’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division will reimburse eligible groups up to $800 for costs associated with neighborhood cleanups and green waste removal on the public right-of-way. The Division will also cover the cost of waste disposal.  

“We created this program to provide funding for groups who were already doing community cleanups and mainly needed help with disposal,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Recycling and Solid Waste Division. “We wanted to help offset cleanup costs to help those existing groups further their impact, as well as encourage individuals to create their own cleanup groups.” 

Eligible groups include neighborhood and homeowners’ associations, nonprofit organizations, religious groups, service clubs, and more. Interested groups that are not formally organized are encouraged to partner with an eligible entity and apply together.  

Individuals and for-profit groups are not eligible. If an individual wants to apply for funding, they are encouraged to join an existing cleanup or organize a group. 

The funding can be used for costs associated with community cleanup efforts, including supplies such as gloves, trash bags and protective gear. Up to 20% of the funding can be used for refreshments. 

Cleanups must take place on a public right-of-way, which includes City parks, streets, alleyways, and sidewalks. The funding may not be used for cleanups outside City limits, on private property or on waterways. 

Community groups can submit applications for up to three cleanup events every fiscal year. Applications are noncompetitive and accepted on a rolling basis. The application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the cleanup.  

Once an application is submitted, Recycling and Solid Waste Division staff will review and contact the applicant with any additional questions. If the application is approved, information on the next steps will be provided. 

To apply for the Neighborhood Cleanup Reimbursement, or for more information on the Division’s programs, please visit sacrecycle.org.