Multi-Family and Non-Residential: Volunteer Events

The County recognizes the value that volunteers offer in keeping our waterways, roadsides, and parking lots free of litter and pollutants that can impact water quality. To recognize those contributions, the County offers voluntary Stormwater Utility credits for participation in the volunteer events and litter cleanup programs offered. Volunteer groups performing these activities for a Stormwater Utility credit must complete the requirements noted in the litter cleanup program agreements. The group leader must obtain permission from property owners for access, ingress, and egress to and from the properties necessary to perform the litter cleanup activity prior to holding a cleanup event.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Stormwater Credit Manual.

Annual or Ongoing credit: Annual

Percent Credit: 10% per event. Organizations may complete up to 3 events (90 volunteer hours) annually, for a maximum credit of 30%.

Minimum: 30 volunteer hours per event

Frequency of Recertification: Annual credit

Required Documentation: Volunteer form with the date of the event, name of the group leader, location of event, and names of participants.  If participating in an event led by County staff or EcoAction Arlington, please have the group leader sign the form. Photos of the event.

• Adopt-A-Street
  • Definition: Volunteers adopt a section of roadway and collect and dispose of trash and litter.
  • Guidelines: The County requires that volunteer groups adopt a minimum of four, County-maintained blocks encompassing both sides of the roadway. 30 volunteer hours should be spent collecting litter from the roadway; see more here.
• Stream Clean-up
  • Definition: Volunteers collect trash and litter from an Arlington stream and dispose of it.
  • Guidelines: Volunteers can participate in an organized stream cleanup event (such as those led by EcoAction Arlington) or organize their own stream cleanup event.  Please contact stormwater utility staff to discuss the location for your proposed stream cleanup. 30 volunteer hours are spent removing trash and litter from streams.
• Invasive Plant Removal
  • Definition: Invasive plants are plants that are not native to a particular ecosystem and can cause economic or environmental harm.  These plants can flourish in areas where they are introduced because they are not eaten by local wildlife. Invasive vines can inhibit the growth of native trees.
  • Guidelines: Volunteers can participate in one of the many invasive plant removal events organized by Arlington County or can organize their own invasive plant removal event, under guidance of Arlington County staff.  30 volunteer hours should be spent removing invasive plants.