FAQs

• What is the goal of this program?

  Keep Dallas Beautiful is a program under the Department of Compliance that works to ensure our city is a clean, attractive place to live. No one individual can do this alone; it takes all of us working together. The heart of KDB is our volunteers, and this is one of several ways you can get involved to pick up litter and enhance our community.

• What can be adopted?

  Almost anything! Adoptions are reserved for public spaces such as streets, medians, trails, creeks, stormwater inlets and more. Have an idea? Contact us at kdb.ccs@dallas.gov!
  

• Who can participate?

  Anyone can participate! Volunteer groups adopting areas can be very small or very large. Some examples include: families, businesses, neighborhood associations, clubs, civic organizations, faith-based groups, service organizations, or even individuals. For safety, we typically encourage at least two people, when possible.

• What happens after I complete an Adopt-A-Spot interest form?

  Our team will contact you to discuss the site(s) you are considering. After discussing the site with you and your ideas for the site, we will work with you to complete an easy site agreement. After that, we will help you get started with supplies for your first cleanup.

• I want to do more than just remove litter at my site, can I do that?

  Absolutely! Litter-only adoptions to control litter is one option. There are other opportunities. Some agreements beyond litter control may require insurance. Email us at kdb.ccs@dallas.gov for more information.
  

• Do I have to have insurance to agree to litter-only adoptions?

  No, insurance is not required for litter-only adoptions.
  

• Can volunteers choose any public location to clean up?

  Keep Dallas Beautiful has designated areas available for adoption and will assist individuals or groups in selecting other areas. For information on site availability, please contact us and we can help you explore other options.
  

• What about private locations?

  Private properties should be maintained and kept free of litter by the property owner. If there is a concern with private property litter control, please report it to 311 or via email at dallas311@dallas.gov. You can also use the Our Dallas App to report litter concerns. The Adopt-A-Spot program is reserved for public spaces.
  

• How long do adoptions last?

  Adoption agreements are for a minimum of one year. At the end of the year, adopters have the option to renew their site agreements.
  

• Is there a way to clean up an area without a formal adoption?

  We are happy to help with one-time or occasional litter cleanups without any agreement. You can request litter supplies for yourself or your group at any time. We recommend starting with a single cleanup before committing to site adoption.
  

• How many times a year will we pick up litter?

  Litter cleanups should occur at least every other month, but monthly cleanups are strongly recommended, along with any additional cleanups necessary to maintain the appearance of your site.
  

• What supplies are provided?

  KDB is happy to provide your group with trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and litter grabbers to get your group started.
  

• Is there a cost to adopting?

  No, adopting a spot is free!
  

• What do the signs look like?

  The adoption sign will show the type of adoption (Adopted by etc.) Beneath that, we will work with your group to prepare a decal with your group’s name.
  

• I saw an adoption sign that says “Available.” Can I adopt it?

  Yes. Once you fill out the form on the left hand side of the Adopt A Spot dashboard, your interest form will be automatically submitted to the Keep Dallas Beautiful e-mail kdb.ccs@dallas.gov
  

• Does every site receive a sign?

  No. The best way to be recognized through signage is to adopt a location with an existing sign. Several locations already have signs in place. New signs may be installed in some instances but wait times may vary. In some areas, signs are not an option due to infrastructure or safety reasons.
  

• What do I do with the trash bags and/or recycling that is collected during a cleanup?

  You can also coordinate with members of the Keep Dallas Beautiful staff for the collection of trash and debris at the conclusion of your event. Their contact information will be given after your adoption is finalized.