Washougal expands litter cleanup effort into year-round program

After logging nearly 500 volunteer hours during its first six months, Washougal’s community litter cleanup program is becoming a permanent, year-round effort.

City officials recently announced that the Washougal Wins When Everyone Pitches In! program has transitioned from a pilot project to full-scale implementation, allowing residents to continue volunteering to remove litter from neighborhoods, parks, trails and other public spaces throughout the year.

The program launched in 2025 and attracted volunteers who collectively spent nearly 500 hours removing trash and hazardous materials from public areas across the city.

“This isn’t just about picking up trash — it’s about working together, getting outside and showing pride in the place we call home,” Sherry Montgomery, the city’s community aesthetics manager, said in a news release.

The volunteer program allows participants to choose cleanup locations and schedules that fit their availability. Residents can volunteer individually or as part of a group and are encouraged to spend up to one or two hours per week collecting litter, although participation levels vary by volunteer.

Participants who complete volunteer service agreements receive a free cleanup kit that includes a bucket, trash grabber, reflective safety band, volunteer pin and safety information. The city also offers incentives at various service milestones, including stickers, magnets, miniature trash bins and T-shirts while supplies last.

Volunteers can track their service hours and submit them to the city for recognition. Participants are also encouraged to share photos of their cleanup efforts on social media using the hashtag #WashougalWins.

Additional information, volunteer forms and program details are available at cityofwashougal.us/829/4555/Washougal-Wins-When-Everyone-Pitches-In.