Frequently Asked Questions

The Waterway Cleanup is Broward County's largest and longest-running environmental event. A highlight of Broward County is our network of waterways and we believe it is our responsibility to help keep them clean for all to enjoy for generations to come. The Waterway Cleanup is an annual event that brings volunteers together for one today to celebrate our beautiful environment and remove trash from our community and waterways. 

The Broward County Waterway Cleanup is an annual event held on the first Saturday of March. In 2026, the event will take place on Saturday, March 7th from 9 am-1 pm. 

The event is in Broward County at more than 30 different site locations. Site options include parks, canals, boat ramps, and more. You can see a complete list of available site locations here. Additionally, if you are more comfortable, you can also clean up in your local neighborhood. 

Yes! We encourage volunteers to participate on the water by kayak, paddleboard, boat, or other personal watercraft. Sites with boat ramps or kayak launches are indicated on the Waterway Cleanup website and online registration form. Once you check-in and pick up supplies at your site, you’re ready to get underway! 

We recommend bringing a mesh bag to collect trash if you have one. 

*Please use caution and practice Safe Boating while you’re on the water! 

**Aquatic Control Group will have a Trash Boat anchored on the Fort Lauderdale Sandbar where boaters can drop off their trash, and TowBoat US Fort Lauderdale will have a vessel traveling up and down the Intracoastal and New River to collect trash from participating boaters. 

The Waterway Cleanup is free to all volunteers! We appreciate all of our dedicated volunteers and the time they give to help our community. The event always has been, and always will be, free for all to participate in. Register in just a few minutes here.

(Some sites may charge parking fees)

To volunteer for the event, complete the registration form and sign the waiver. When registering, you will be asked to choose one of our site locations to clean up at. On the day of the event, you will arrive at the site you chose, and a site coordinator will provide you with additional instructions on cleaning up at that specific location. 

Yes! Online registration will still be open, but you'll need to show the site coordinator your confirmation email when you arrive. You can also complete registration at the site.

*But remember, ALL volunteers must complete the registration form and liability waiver before participating. Supplies and shirts are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis after registration is confirmed.

Site Coordinators play a key leadership role in ensuring a successful cleanup at their assigned location. Responsibilities include volunteer check-in, supply distribution, basic site setup, safety oversight, and reporting cleanup totals to MIASF.

Each site location will have site coordinators to provide volunteers with gloves, hand sanitizer, and trash bags while supplies last. We recommend volunteers bringing the following:

• Closed-toed shoes (required)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Water bottle (most sites will have water dispensers to refill bottles as well as small cups)
• Trash pickers

Work gloves, mesh dive bags for trash collection, and wagons are also great items to pack if you have them! 

We strongly recommend volunteers wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the event. Each volunteer will receive a Waterway Cleanup T-Shirt (sizes available while they last) and we love seeing pictures of our volunteers cleaning up in their shirts each year.

The event is open to all ages! However, kids 14 & younger MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Yes! The Waterway Cleanup is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours and you can find additional information here about earning service hours. 

(Adults can earn community service hours, too!)

Welcome!

• Stay hydrated.
• Follow the site coordinator’s instructions carefully, safety first!
• Take breaks when you need to.
• Don’t touch sharp or hazardous items, report them to your coordinator.
• Pack a small snack if you’ll be out for several hours.
• Keep an eye out for wildlife, don’t disturb animals or birds.
• Have fun! 

Thank you for participating and making a difference 

in our community!