Great Arkansas Cleanup

The Great Arkansas Cleanup takes place each fall from September (the first Saturday after Labor Day) through October. Thousands of Arkansans remove tons of trash from our state’s roadways, shorelines, parks, and public areas during this statewide community improvement campaign.

The Great Arkansas Cleanup began in 1969 as the Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River Cleanup. In 1985, then - U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers guided legislation requiring an annual pickup event during the weekend after Labor Day on all federal lands. This law, the Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Act, honors the founder of the event. Mr. Garner continued his advocacy for a clean and litter-free environment until his death in 2014. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with other hosts and partners, have continued the Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River Cleanup efforts for more than 50 years.

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2025 Great Arkansas Cleanup Coordinator Materials (downloadable forms)

• Volunteer & Event Forms
  • Litter & Recycling Reporting Estimates
  • Volunteer Sign-In Liability + Photo Release Template (DOC)
  • Volunteer Agreement
  • Safety Guidelines
  • Volunteer Hours Certificate - for documenting official volunteer hours
  • 2024 Great Arkansas Cleanup Volunteer Appreciation Certificate

2025 Great Arkansas Cleanup Planning & Promotion

• How to Organize a Community Cleanup (Video)
• How to Organize a Community Cleanup (PDF)
• Easy Promotional Ideas
• Develop Your Disposal Plan – Contact your local Solid Waste District prior to your event!
• Customizable News Release
• Get Involved Flyer
• Customizable Flyer
• Cleanup Safety Tips
• CAUTION! Volunteers removing litter ahead – Sign Template
• Place Trash Here (PDF) – Sign Template
• Please Don’t Litter (PDF) – Sign Template
• Please Recycle Here (PDF) – Sign Template