To the Mayor, City Council Members, and the Department of Public Works of the City of Saint Paul:

We, the residents of our city, respectfully request the creation of a simple, city‑supported system that enables volunteers to safely and responsibly collect litter in our neighborhoods.

Many of us already pick up trash during walks, at parks, and along streets. These efforts improve public spaces, strengthen community pride, and reduce the burden on city services. However, volunteers currently lack a clear, official way to dispose of collected litter or access basic supplies.

We ask the City to consider the following practical, low‑cost measures:

Designated Volunteer Drop‑Off Points Provide clearly marked locations or bins where volunteers can leave collected litter without violating disposal rules.
Official Volunteer Litter Bags Offer distinct, city‑approved bags (similar to yard‑waste or leaf‑collection bags) so Public Works can easily identify volunteer‑collected trash.
Coordination With Public Works Ensure that Public Works recognizes these bags and includes them in regular pickup routes or scheduled pickups.
Recognition for Community Service Establish optional acknowledgments — such as certificates, “community steward” mentions, or small annual awards — to encourage civic pride and volunteerism.
These steps would cost very little, yet they would empower residents, reduce litter, and strengthen the partnership between the City and its neighborhoods.

We are not asking for new bureaucracy or major programs — only a simple, organized system that supports the volunteer work many residents are already doing.

We respectfully request that the City Council and Public Works review this proposal, explore implementation options, and communicate next steps to the community.

Thank you for your service and for considering this community‑driven initiative.

Signed,
Residents of our city