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Tools & Gear I Use for Urban Cleanups (That Actually Make It Easier)

11 items

Stuff We Use

Urban cleanups don’t require a full crew or expensive equipment—but the right gear can make a big difference. I’ve been doing solo cleanups and community trash walks for years, and this list is the result of real-world experience. These are the tools...

Sections

Grab & Go Essentials

Portable & Smart Additions

Keep It Clean (and Legal)

Grab & Go Essentials

This is my basic kit—the tools I never leave behind. They’re lightweight, simple to pack, and cover the most common cleanup situations. Whether I’m picking up wrappers in a park or hauling out old cans from behind a strip mall, these four items come ...

I’ve tested a bunch, and this one checks all the boxes: folds up for easy transport, has solid grip, and holds up after dozens of uses. Makes it easier on your back too.

Folding Reacher Grabber

I avoid the thin bags that rip the minute they hit a jagged stick. These can handle anything—wet cardboard, glass, weeds, or whatever else you find in alleyways.

Contractor Bags

These are breathable but still tough enough to protect your hands. I like the rubberized palms, especially when picking up wet stuff or bottles with broken caps.

Work Gloves With Grip

Urban cleanups come with unexpected risks—scrapes, bug bites, minor cuts. I keep a compact kit in my bag so I can deal with it fast and keep moving.

General Medi Mini 110-Piece First Aid Kit

Portable & Smart Additions

This gear isn’t always necessary for quick outings, but it’s made a major difference for longer or more involved cleanups. If you’re hitting a big park, working with a small crew, or tackling multiple sites in a day, these tools can seriously improve...

Great for hauling full trash bags, water, or tools across big areas. It folds up flat and fits easily in a hatchback or SUV. Makes longer cleanup routes a lot less tiring.

Folding Wagons in Camping Furniture(83)

Especially helpful when working near roads or alleys. It’s not about fashion—it’s about making sure drivers, cyclists, or other pedestrians see you clearly.

Reflective Gear / Outdoor Recreation Accessories

A folding or telescoping rake lets you pull debris from under bushes or between fences. I use it for leaves, food wrappers, or scattered glass that’s too spread out to grab by hand.

Yocada Heavy Duty Outdoor Commercial Broom

A good multi-tool can help you deal with zip ties, broken straps, stubborn lids, or unexpected repairs. It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until it saves the day.

Multi-tools

Keep It Clean (and Legal)

Cleanup work isn’t just about picking up trash—it’s about doing it responsibly and safely. These items help me protect my health, avoid legal gray areas, and share my work without hassle. They’re easy to forget but always appreciated when you have th...

A must-have. You’ll touch gross stuff—just assume it. I keep a small sanitizer bottle clipped to my bag and a backup stash of wipes in my kit.

Why Hand Wipes are Better than Antibacterial Sanitizer

Occasionally, I find needles or sharp fragments in alleys or near encampments. This lets me dispose of them safely, without having to leave them behind or risk a tear in the bag.

Medical Waste Pros

I like to document my cleanups, especially when showing progress over time or encouraging others to join in. A stable mount makes it easy to capture footage or livestream without juggling gear.

Iphone Action Mount