Chicagoans are once again stepping up for the second annual Clean-Off, a citywide litter‑collection contest that pits the Windy City against Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Organized by Cleanup Club Chicago, Block By Block Philly and South Central Cleanup, the competition runs through October, with volunteers counting each 13‑gallon bag of trash they fill.
Chicago entered the challenge as the defending champion, having won the inaugural contest last year by a narrow margin of four bags. Early in the month, Chicago led the tally, but Los Angeles surged ahead in week two, reporting 379 bags, followed by Chicago’s 327 and Philadelphia’s 243. The race remains open, and organizers say the final count will be announced after the October 31 deadline.
Why the Clean-Off Matters
Executive director and co‑founder Katherine Tellock of Cleanup Club Chicago says the competition was inspired by a smaller, intra‑city contest she runs each August, where Chicago’s North, South and West sides vie for the most litter collected. “A little friendly competition can motivate people to get involved,” Tellock explained, prompting her to expand the idea nationally.
Block By Block Philly’s co‑founder Amanda Block hopes Philadelphia can close the gap this year. “We’re the underdog, so we do typically lose a lot, but we love to win, and we’ll keep trying until we win,” she said.
Community Impact and Participation
The Clean-Off not only measures trash collection but also builds community spirit. Last year’s effort saw nearly 1,000 volunteers across Chicago and Philadelphia gather 1,850 bags—about seven tons of litter. This year, organizers anticipate even higher turnout, especially as fall can slow participation in neighborhood clean‑ups.
Los Angeles founder Carlos Cabrera of South Central Cleanup highlighted the broader relevance, noting the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics. “The West Coast is the best coast, so we’re the best at everything, at cleaning and at getting it dirty,” he joked, adding that early clean‑up efforts will let residents focus on other priorities as the Games approach.
How to Get Involved
Anyone can join the Clean‑Off. Volunteers may sign up with an organized group, rally neighbors for a block‑level event, or simply pick up litter on their own streets. Participants should photograph their filled bags and submit them via the competition’s website by midnight on October 31. Submissions are standardized to a 13‑gallon kitchen trash bag to ensure fair counting across cities.
Cleanup Club Chicago offers incentives for top collectors, including tickets to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the Morton Arboretum, bottles of Malort, and gift cards. For those needing supplies, the organization rents cleanup kits for a $50 donation, while Friends of the Chicago River provides free supplies at stations citywide. Wateriders also offers a 50 % discount on kayak rentals for volunteers cleaning up along the waterways.
Looking Ahead
Tellock emphasizes that regardless of the final winner, the competition’s true success is the collective effort to keep Chicago clean year‑round. “There may be a winner, but nobody loses because at the end of the day, you still clean up your city,” she said.
Residents interested in joining the Clean‑Off or learning more about the event can visit the official website for details on registration, supply locations, and prize information.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
