Registration Open for A Litter Bit Better Fall Clean-up

September 9, 2026 – ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA - Registration opens today for the 2026 A Litter Bit Better Fall Cleanup, an annual community effort to remove litter from Rochester's streets, parks and natural areas before winter arrives. This year's cleanup will take place October 3 to 11.

Fall is an important time to pick up litter. Removing trash before it becomes covered by snow helps prevent it from remaining in the environment through the winter and contributing to the litter that reappears in the spring.

Volunteers can participate individually or join with family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers or other groups. Cleanup activities can take place at any time during the event, October 3 to 11. Trash bags are provided, making it easy to choose a location, select a day and get started.

Visit the ⁠RNeighbors website for registration information, maps, cleanup tips and other details.

A Litter Bit Better is one way residents can help keep Rochester clean. The following practices can also help prevent waste from becoming litter and keep usable materials out of the waste stream:

• Prevent litter at home. Place all household trash in a securely tied plastic bag before putting it in the garbage container. Avoid overfilling garbage and recycling carts, and make sure lids close completely to help prevent windblown litter.
• Recycle right. Check with your curbside hauler or Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus to learn what materials can be recycled. Before recycling, make sure items are empty, clean and dry, and place them loosely in the recycling cart.
• Dispose of household hazardous waste properly. The Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 305 Energy Parkway NE in Rochester, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Disposal fees apply to some hazardous materials, while other materials can be disposed of at no cost.
• Give usable items a second life. Several organizations in Rochester accept donations of items that are still in good condition but are no longer needed. Donating usable items helps keep them out of the waste stream while supporting sustainability and community organizations.
• Please note that A Litter Bit Better is a trash collection event and does not include leaf pickup. The City of Rochester does not offer a leaf pickup service. Residents can drop off yard waste, including leaves, for free at the Olmsted County compost site, located at 305 Energy Parkway NE across from the recycling center.

Residents can also help protect local waterways by keeping storm drains clear of fallen leaves and yard waste. Through programs such as ⁠Adopt-a-Drain, volunteers help prevent organic material and other debris from entering storm drains, where it can contribute to water quality concerns, including harmful algal blooms.

Whether picking up litter, preventing waste at home or keeping a storm drain clear, every action helps make a difference. Together, Rochester residents can help keep our community and local waterways clean throughout the year.