come join us. it’s fun out here.

  • trash people Community clean ups

    we host regular community clean ups across the city of chicago from spring to fall. all equipment is provided, all you have to do is register, and then show up! trash people are friendly people, so our clean ups are often followed by some kind of social - plan to stick around to chat afterwards, if you’d like!

    trash people currently hosts events in logan square, lakeview, mckinley park & ukrainian village. join your nearest group or come see us all! follow us on eventbrite or instagram to be the first to hear of new clean ups being scheduled.

    all events are newbie friendly! we love meeting new people and can’t wait to see you there.

    see all of our upcoming events

  • The volunteer fair

    we are passionate about the personal and societal benefits of community involvement, and are so inspired by the many amazing non-profits and mutual aid organizations operating in our neighborhood, which is why we created the volunteer fair - a community-focused event that aims to connect individuals with hyper-local ways to contribute.

    we are currently in the planning stages for our 2024 volunteer fair events. follow us on eventbrite to receive updates as we schedule new dates!

    follow us for more

  • the parlor by trash people

    the parlor was launched in november 2023 with the aim of helping neighbors clear out unwanted items while also supporting community, getting needed resources to neighbors in need, and reducing our community’s landfill contributions.

    this space, in the heart of logan square, provides a simple drop off destination for donations and other items that can be reused in the community. all distribution is done via community partners including el arbol, freestyle, humboldt park solidarity network, cusp and south loop community table.

    this project is entirely community funded and we are hoping to raise enough to allow us to operate for 6 months (throughout the chicago winter).

    read more & donate

more ways to get involved

  • we love to work with like-minded community organizations and non-profits. if you have an idea for how we can support each other, please reach out at hello@trashpeople.org

  • we love to champion small, local businesses, and are happy to partner with larger organizations wanting to give back to the community by sponsoring a clean up, the volunteer fair or other projects. we are also available to facilitate private corporate volunteer days. please reach out to us at hello@trashpeople.org to discuss your idea, we’re happy to chat!

  • our long-term mission is to create a network of trash people groups, all facilitating hyper-local community contribution and connection. if you are excited about what we’re doing, and are interested in leading a group in your neighborhood (wherever you might be in the world!), please reach out to us at hello@trashpeople.org for more information - we’ll be delighted to chat.

  • want to talk to us about trash people or a particular project? we’re happy to connect. please contact us at hello@trashpeople.org.