Report before you fix

Have you already tried to report the problem?

If not, click here to learn how to report it.

Already reported and still no luck?

Click here to escalate the issue to your ward councillor.

Communities acting together can make things happen. Click here to discover how.

Still no success? The info below will help you fix it yourself.

DISCLAIMER: Check with your local authority on legal ways to fix problems yourself. Fixlocal cannot take responsibility for any problems that may arise in fixing it yourself.

10 Steps to organise your community cleanup

Organising a community cleanup is a great way to help the environment and connect with others. This guide gives you ten simple steps to plan and run a successful cleanup event, encouraging everyone to take care of their community.

1. Pick the cleanup area:

   • Find places in your community that need cleaning, like parks or streets.
   • Plan your project first. Check how much and what kind of rubbish there is.

2. Build a committed team:

   • Gather together people who care about the environment.
   • Invite different groups, like schools and clubs, to join and bring new ideas.
   • Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help.

3. Get necessary permits:

   • See if you need permission from local authorities for your chosen area.
   • Work with local government and environmental groups to follow the rules.

4. Gather cleanup supplies:

   • Collect supplies like trash bags, gloves, and cleaning tools.
   • Ask local businesses for donations or sponsorships to support your event.

5. Create an online presence:

   • Use social media to share your cleanup event.
   • Post interesting content and updates to keep people informed and excited.

6. Make a detailed plan:

   • Make roles, tasks, and schedules for your team.
   • Plan for safety and rubbish disposal to ensure all goes well.

7. Work with local organisations:

   • Partner with environmental groups, schools, and businesses for more help.
   • Collaborate with local media to increase awareness and participation.

8. Design and share online posters:

   • Create eye-catching posters with event details and share them online and in the community.
   • Use these posters to spread the word and highlight the importance of taking care of the environment.
   • Make sure the posters tell people how to join the project.

9. Run the cleanup event:

   • Make sure everything goes as planned on the event day.
   • Encourage teamwork and keep everything feeling good.

10. Say thank you and plan for the future:

    • Thank participants and sponsors for their support.
    • Share the cleanup results and discuss future projects to keep the community involvement going.

By following these ten steps, you can organise a community cleanup that helps the environment and brings people together. Your efforts will inspire change and create a lasting impact of caring for the environment and community.

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.