Yes — as long as basic safety rules are followed.

What should I bring?

Keep it minimal. Heavy backpacks and extra gear will only get in the way.

• Water (it’s best to bring some extra, even if water is planned).

• A bag or backpack that’s easy to leave at the hub or comfortable to carry.
  

Clothes & shoes

• Comfortable work clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or torn.

• Long sleeves — especially if we’re cleaning in bushes (to protect your arms).

• Dress for the weather; a rain jacket is optional.

• Comfortable closed shoes with a non-slip sole.

• Headwear (cap or bucket hat).
  

Protection & health

• Sunscreen.

• Insect protection (mosquito spray, tick protection, and something for bites, like Fenistil or a similar product).

• Please make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

Mindset & vibes

• A positive, ready-to-go attitude and openness to dealing with unpleasant finds.

• A bit of self-irony and a willingness to “suffer just a little”.

Most volunteers speak Russian, English, or German.

Just bring your willingness to help — we’ll take care of gloves, bags, and tools.

Blogger @_leratan waited for a long time for the trash left after New Year’s to be cleaned up in Berlin. It never happened — so she went out and cleaned it herself.

At the next cleanup, one more person joined her. Then three more. Now there are hundreds of us.

We are not an environmental movement and not a political group. We live in Berlin, and we’re tired of the constant trash and dirt on the streets — so we get together and clean up.

Dogs Yes, but please keep in mind that it may not be safe for your pet. We clean in areas where there can be syringes, broken glass, animal or human waste, people who are using substances, as well as rodents and insects. All of these can pose a risk to your dog.

Children Yes, it’s possible. We have children’s gloves, and some volunteers do bring their kids to cleanups. At the same time, during cleanups we may encounter syringes, rodents, insects, homeless people, and people who are using substances. Some situations can be unpredictable and potentially unsafe for children, so please assess the risks carefully and stay close to them at all times.

No. We have children’s gloves and litter pickers so you don’t have to bend down.

That said, your health, well-being, and safety are always your top priority during a cleanup, and you are personally responsible for your own safety while volunteering. If you come with children, you are also responsible for their safety and well-being at all times.

During cleanups, we may encounter syringes, broken glass, animal or human waste, as well as insects and rodents. Please keep this in mind when deciding to join.

No, we don’t sort the trash after cleanups. The collected bags are picked up by the city service BSR.

Street waste collected in parks, on sidewalks, and along roads is disposed of as mixed waste and does not go through separate sorting afterward.