How We Serve
The Office of the Clean City (OCC) works with residents, community organizations, businesses, and government partners to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable neighborhoods throughout the District of Columbia.
As part of the Department of Public Works, OCC serves as the District’s community engagement and coordination hub for neighborhood beautification, litter prevention, illegal dumping reduction, and waste diversion initiatives. We connect residents with resources, support community cleanup and waste diversion events, and build partnerships that empower communities to take an active role in caring for their neighborhoods. OCC doesn’t work alone-we bring people together.
Through education, volunteer engagement, and strategic collaboration, we help transform community cleanups into lasting environmental stewardship.
Our Priorities
- Reduce litter and illegal dumping
- Increase recycling and waste diversion
- Strengthening strong partnerships
- Promote environmental stewardship
- Deliver resources and services that support cleaner, greener, healthier neighborhoods
Report Illegal Dumping: Illegal dumping harms neighborhoods and waterways. If you see dumping in progress, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency dumping concerns, contact 311, use the 311 mobile app, or email [email protected]
Together, we’re building cleaner, greener neighborhoods-one block at a time.
Meet the Team
Behind every successful cleanup, partnership, and community initiative is a team dedicated to serving the District of Columbia. Meet the professionals working every day to support cleaner neighborhoods, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver responsive public service. Our team brings together experience in program management, community engagement, environmental stewardship, operations, and public service to help communities thrive.
Jewel Gorham (PICTURE)
Program Manager
Jewel provides strategic leadership for the Office of the Clean City, overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of citywide initiatives that promote cleaner, greener, healthier, and more sustainable neighborhoods. She leads program operations, builds strategic partnerships, coordinates cross-agency collaboration, and guides the Office’s efforts to advance litter prevention, illegal dumping reduction, beautification, and waste diversion throughout the District.
Anthony Robertson (PICTURE)
Community Engagement and Services Manager
Anthony leads the Office of the Clean City’s community engagement and outreach efforts by building relationships with residents, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers. He coordinates neighborhood cleanup events, supports the Adopt-a-Block program, and helps connect communities with the resources and services that encourage long-term neighborhood stewardship and environmental responsibility.
Community & Diversion Programs,
Lends cleanup tools and provides trash collection support to community groups organizing local neighborhood improvement projects. The program operates annually from March 1st to October 1st.
OCC allows volunteers to officially adopt a block to keep it clean of litter and debris. Submit your post-cleanup impact data through the official Adopt a Block Cleanup App. Event organizers use this reporting form to log vital metrics such as total volunteer turnout and the number of trash bags collected. Visit Adopt a Block Portal to find the active survey link. Metrics tracked: Number of volunteers, date of cleanup, location/block coordinates, and total bags of trash collected. Public visibility: Approved results automatically update on the District's public cleanup map. Register by using the Adopt a Block Cleanup App.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Free Special Waste Collection Events for District residents to safely drop off household hazardous waste (HHW), recycle electronics (e-cycling), and securely shred personal documents.
Community Resources
Resources, reporting tools, and coordinated response efforts.
Resources & Partners
OCC works closely with District agencies and community partners to connect residents with the services and resources they need to keep neighborhoods clean, safe, and sustainable. Explore the organizations on this page to learn more about available programs and services.
Track your impact with the DOEE Litter Data Card
A simple tool to record what you find during your cleanup. Download the data card.
Get Involved
Volunteer | Adopt a Block | Partner with OCC | Organize a local neighborhood cleanup
Find Litter Cleanup Opportunities in DC
Check each organization’s website for current schedules and volunteer opportunities. Please reach out to [email protected] to add your organization's information to this list!
- Alice Ferguson Foundation | Trash Free Potomac Watershed Cleanup
- Anacostia Watershed Society | Earth Day Cleanups
- Anacostia Riverkeeper | Trash Cleanups
- Surfrider DC | Community Cleanups
- Living Classrooms | Third Saturday Day of Service: Cleanups on Kingman and Heritage Islands
- Rock Creek Conservancy | Extreme Cleanup
- District Cleanups | Community Cleanups
Track your impact with the DOEE Litter Data Card
A simple tool to record what you find during your cleanup. Download the data card.
Our Story
Building a Cleaner, Greener District Together
The Office of the Clean City (OCC) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for District residents by promoting cleaner neighborhoods, reducing litter, and encouraging community stewardship. Established in 2001 by Mayor's Order 2001-31 as the Mayor's Office of the Clean City (MOCC), the office was created to lead the District's Clean City Initiative and serve as the central point of coordination for efforts to improve cleanliness across Washington, DC. Today, as part of the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Office of the Clean City continues that commitment while expanding its role to meet the evolving needs of the District. OCC now serves as a community-centered program that brings together residents, government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, and volunteers to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable neighborhoods. By integrating neighborhood beautification, litter prevention, illegal dumping reduction, waste diversion, and community engagement into a coordinated approach, OCC is helping build a cleaner and greener District—one neighborhood, one partnership, and one block at a time.
Our Evolution
2001
The Mayor's Office of the Clean City was established to coordinate citywide efforts to reduce litter, improve neighborhood cleanliness, and support the Mayor's Clean City Initiative.
Today
The Office of the Clean City serves as a community engagement and coordination hub within the Department of Public Works, connecting residents with programs, partnerships, and resources that support neighborhood beautification, environmental stewardship, and waste diversion.
Looking Ahead
OCC is building a more connected and sustainable future by expanding community partnerships, strengthening volunteerism, improving service coordination, advancing waste diversion, and empowering residents to help keep every neighborhood clean and vibrant.
Our Vision
We envision a District where every neighborhood is clean, welcoming, and environmentally sustainable, and where residents, businesses, community organizations, and government work together to create lasting neighborhood pride and stewardship.
Contact Us
The Office of the Clean City (OCC):
Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except District holidays.
899 North Capitol Street, NE,
Washington, DC 2000
Phone: (202) 673-6833
Fax: (202) 671-0642
TTY: (202) 673-6833
Email: [email protected]