On Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Jersey City will carry out its 7th Annual Great Jersey City Cleanup. The event is a citywide cleanup operation organized by Mayor Steven Fulop, the Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Office of Cultural Affairs. The goal is to remove trash, clean parks and sidewalks, and perform maintenance work in six specific city locations—one in each ward.
This cleanup is part of the “Keep Jersey City Beautiful” initiative. The campaign is a local branch of the national Keep America Beautiful program, which promotes clean, safe, and healthy communities through organized volunteer efforts.
- The 7th Annual Great Jersey City Cleanup takes place on May 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. across all six city wards.
- Nearly 6,000 volunteers have removed over 24.2 tons of trash and recyclables since the event began in 2016.
- Volunteers must register online; gloves and trash bags will be provided, but personal brooms or rakes are recommended due to limited supplies.
Volunteers Will Clean Parks, Sidewalks, and Streets
Cleanup teams will be stationed at the following locations:
- Ward A: Bayside Park
- Ward B: Lincoln Park
- Ward C: Journal Square Plaza
- Ward D: Riverview Park
- Ward E: Hamilton Park
- Ward F: Arlington Park
All volunteers must report to one of these six sites. Cleanup efforts will focus on removing litter, trash, and debris from sidewalks, parks, and public spaces. Volunteers will also help plant flowers and do basic maintenance to improve the look and safety of each area. City workers will support the volunteer teams at each ward location.
Gloves and trash bags will be available at every park listed. Volunteers are expected to bring their own brooms, rakes, or litter grabbers, as city supplies may not be enough for the number of people expected.
There is no age requirement, and no prior experience is needed. The city encourages individuals, families, students, and community organizations to register and participate.
Anyone who wants to volunteer must register through the City of Jersey City’s official website before the event.
6,000 Volunteers Have Participated Since 2016
This is the seventh year of the Great Jersey City Cleanup. Since the program began in 2016, a total of 5,976 volunteers have participated. They have collected a total of 24.2 tons of garbage and recyclable materials across the city.
In previous years, residents, students, nonprofit workers, and elected officials have joined the effort. The cleanup has been repeated each spring to maintain the city’s public areas and reduce illegal dumping.
This year’s event continues that record of direct public action. The city sees this as a proven strategy for improving Jersey City’s streets, parks, and sidewalks.
The city’s leadership says this event shows that large-scale cleanup is possible when local government and residents work together. Rather than a one-day project, a cleanup this size is about teaching long-term habits that lead to cleaner, safer neighborhoods citywide.
Registration is Required to Join the Cleanup
To join the cleanup, all participants must sign up through the City of Jersey City’s website. Registration allows the city to prepare enough supplies and assign volunteers to the correct ward locations.
The cleanup will begin at exactly 10:00 a.m. at each park and end at 2:00 p.m. Volunteers should arrive on time, dressed in weather-appropriate clothing, and ready to work outdoors for up to four hours.
This event will happen rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous. Updates will be posted on the city’s website if changes are needed.
