Baltimore Expands Community Dumpster Program for Greater Access and Fairness

By BJLife Newsroom
Posted on 02/05/25

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 5, 2025 - The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce updates to its Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program that are designed to promote greater equity and access to resources. These changes aim to empower communities, especially those in underserved areas, by enhancing opportunities to organize clean-up events while ensuring transparency and fairness in resource allocation.

Under the previous program, only community association presidents were eligible to request dumpsters for clean-up efforts. The revised program eliminates this restriction, allowing any resident or group to request assistance from DPW, regardless of their affiliation with a community association.  The program enables each neighborhood to request up to four dumpsters per year, with DPW overseeing and managing their distribution to ensure fairness across neighborhoods.

This updated Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program addresses feedback from residents and community leaders and ensures that resources are accessible to all, including neighborhoods without formal associations or those led by individual volunteers.

To further maximize participation and impact, the updated Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program requires clean-up events to involve at least 20 volunteers and provides clear guidelines for the request process. In addition, clean-up organizers must submit a flyer promoting the event. These measures are designed to prioritize communities in need while promoting active volunteer engagement.

DPW provides additional support for community clean-ups. Residents or groups interested in hosting a community clean-up can also request a Solid Waste Volunteer Clean-Up event by calling 311. DPW will provide tools, bags, and a truck to collect debris from the identified location.

Revised Pitch-In Program Highlights

The updated Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program introduces several key features:

• Volunteer Requirements: A minimum of 20 volunteers, led by a designated Community Organizer, is required for each clean-up event.
• Frequency Limits: Communities or volunteer groups can request dumpster services up to four times per calendar year, with specific submission periods.
• Event Duration: Dumpsters will be available for up to four hours per event to ensure efficient use and availability.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the program, communities or volunteer groups must meet the following requirements:

1. Volunteer Minimum: Clean-up events must include at least 20 volunteers.
2. Designated Organizer: A Community Organizer must lead and coordinate the event.
3. Event Verification: An event flyer or official posting must be provided as proof of the clean-up event. After a community pitch-in is confirmed, email the event flyer or official posting as proof of the scheduled cleanup: dpwpitchin@baltimorecity.gov.

Request Process

The updated process ensures transparency and fairness in resource allocation:

1. Submission: Community Organizers must call 311 to submit a request, adhering to these guidelines:

• January through June: Up to two requests, starting December 1 of the prior year.
• July through December: Up to two requests, starting June 1.

 The program enables each neighborhood to request up to four dumpsters per year.

1. Verification: Organizers must provide an event flyer and confirm event details, including the date and location.
2. Approval: The 311 team will review requests to ensure communities do not exceed the maximum annual allotment. Approved requests will be finalized by DPW, and dumpsters will be placed at designated locations.

Dumpster Guidelines

To ensure proper use of dumpsters, community members must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Allowed Items: Household trash, furniture, cans, glass, plastics, paper, and cardboard.
• Prohibited Items: Hazardous materials (e.g., paint, solvents, batteries), yard waste, construction debris, vehicles, and regulated substances. A detailed list of prohibited items is available on the DPW website.
• Supervision: Dumpsters must be staffed at all times to prevent non-approved items from being placed in them. Clean-up organizers may request early removal of dumpsters if necessary.

Resource Availability

DPW can provide up to five dumpsters Monday through Friday and 15 dumpsters on Saturdays. As Saturdays are a popular day for clean-up events, residents are encouraged to submit requests early, as dumpsters are often reserved quickly.

For more information about the updated Community Pitch-In Dumpster Request Program or to access additional resources, visit DPW Website.