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Protect the wild from trash

Protect the wild from trash
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Organize a small trash pickup with an adult at a local park or trail, sort recyclables, and learn how litter harms wildlife.

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Step-by-step guide to Protect the wild from trash

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Wildlife Conservation for Kids | What Is Wildlife Conservation? | Twinkl USA

What you need
Adult supervision required, boxes for recyclables, gloves, hand sanitizer, litter picker or long stick, notebook and pencil, small first aid kit, trash bags

Step 1

Ask an adult to help you pick a nearby park or trail and choose a day and time to meet.

Step 2

Gather the materials from the list and pack them so they are easy to carry.

Step 3

Talk with the adult and agree on safety rules like staying together and not touching sharp items.

Step 4

Put on your gloves before you start picking up anything.

Step 5

In your notebook draw a simple table labeled Item Count and Where found to record what you collect.

Step 6

Start in the small spot you agreed on and pick up visible trash, placing regular trash into the trash bag.

Step 7

Put bottles cans and paper into the recycling box as you find them.

Step 8

If you find sharp or dangerous items tell the adult right away and do not touch them.

Step 9

Keep cleaning until your agreed time is up or the area looks much cleaner.

Step 10

Tie closed the trash bag when it is full.

Step 11

Ask the adult to help place the trash and recyclables in the proper park bins or take them to a recycling center.

Step 12

Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands and any skin that touched trash.

Step 13

Create a short clean-up report in your notebook that lists how many of each item you collected and includes a quick drawing showing how litter can hurt a wild animal.

Step 14

Share your finished clean-up report and pictures on DIY.org so others can learn from your project.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a recycling box if we can't find one?

Use two sturdy cardboard boxes or labeled reusable shopping bags to sort bottles, cans, and paper on the spot instead of the recycling box named in the instructions.

What should we do if the trash bag rips or gets too heavy while cleaning?

Stop, tell the adult, transfer trash into a fresh bag or double-bag the load, and tie closed the trash bag when it is full as the instructions say to prevent spills or tearing.

How can we change the activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult handle sharp items and make the Item Count table simple with stickers, while older kids can map the trail, weigh bags, and create a detailed clean-up report to share.

How can we make the clean-up project more meaningful or personalized?

Extend the activity by taking photos during the pick-up, adding a before-and-after drawing in your notebook, contacting park staff with your clean-up report, and sharing pictures on DIY.org as the final step.

Watch videos on how to Protect the wild from trash

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

The Impact Of Plastic Pollution On Wildlife (And What We Can Do To Help)! #TeamSeas

4 Videos

Facts about litter and wildlife protection

♻️ Recycling one aluminum can saves about 95% of the energy needed to make a new one.

🗑️ About 80% of ocean plastic comes from land — litter from parks and streets can travel to rivers and seas.

🌍 Community cleanups can remove thousands of pieces of litter; some local events have collected over 50,000 items in a single day.

🐢 Sea turtles, birds, and fish often mistake plastic for food — swallowing it can block their guts and cause starvation.

🧤 Wearing gloves and using a trash grabber makes cleanups safer and faster — volunteers can collect dozens to hundreds of items in one outing.

How do I organize a small trash pickup with my child at a local park or trail?

To organize a small trash pickup, choose a nearby park or trail and an adult supervisor. Set a date/time, check park rules, and invite a small group. At the site, brief kids on safety, assign simple zones, and give gloves, bags, and grabbers. Collect trash, sort recyclables into labeled bags, and dispose of everything properly. Finish with a short chat about how litter harms wildlife and a small reward like a snack or sticker.

What materials and supplies do I need for a kid-friendly litter cleanup?

You’ll need sturdy work gloves, trash bags, recycling bags or bins, litter pickers or tongs, and hand sanitizer. Bring water, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. Use clearly labeled containers for recyclables and trash, plus clipboards or stickers for sorting tasks. Adults should carry a charged phone and any park permits. Optional items: safety vests, buckets for small items, and a simple checklist to involve kids.

What ages is this trash pickup activity suitable for?

This activity is adaptable for ages 3 through teens with adult supervision. Ages 3–5 can collect only large, safe items and learn about animals; ages 6–9 can use tongs and help sort recyclables; ages 10–13 can lead small teams and record findings; teens can organize events and contact park staff. Always match tasks to ability, supervise younger children closely, and keep them away from sharp or heavy trash.

Is this activity safe and what safety tips should I follow?

Safety tips: always have a responsible adult present, wear gloves and closed-toe shoes, and use litter pickers to avoid direct contact with unknown items. Keep children away from broken glass, needles, and animal carcasses; adults should handle hazardous waste and report syringes to park staff. Bring water, take breaks, use sunscreen, and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Safe handling protects both people and wildlife.
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Protect the wild from trash. Activities for Kids.