Washougal starts new trash pickup program

The city of Washougal is launching a volunteer program designed to reduce litter, beautify neighborhoods and strengthen community pride, one bucket of trash at a time.

On July 1, the city launched its new Washougal Wins When Everyone Pitches In program and invited community members to pledge that they will complete 40 hours of litter cleanup by the end of 2025. The city is encouraging volunteers to choose any location within Washougal city limits, from sidewalks and storm drains to parks and school zones, and work at their own pace and schedule.

“The amount of garbage that we can pick up and keep out of the waterways, storm drains and parks is going to be really phenomenal,” said Sherry Montgomery, the city’s community aesthetics manager.

The program was also inspired by Montgomery’s efforts to pick up litter with her 6-year-old niece.

“It’s like a treasure hunt for her,” she said. “I was surprised by how much fun she’s having. It’s a good bonding experience for us.”

The city will pass out rewards to community members who hit key service milestones, including a Washougal Wins! mini-trash bin when volunteers hit five hours, a Washougal Wins! T-shirt when they pass 20 hours and a Washougal Wins! hat once they’ve completed 40 hours of trash pickup. The city also will recognize the volunteers during Washougal’s 2026 Hometown Heroes celebration event.

“We’re trying to basically put our arms around the community and invite everyone in to be a part of the service-minded direction that we want to head in and help us to develop a redefined community identity,” Montgomery said.

Residents can sign up for the new program by visiting cityofwashougal.us/WashougalWins, completing a volunteer service agreement, checking the “Washougal Wins” box and taking the program pledge.

The first 100 volunteers will receive an official Washougal Wins! kit, which includes a green 5-gallon bucket, trash-grabbing tool, reflective band, Washougal volunteer pin and a welcome packet with a field guide and safety tips. All other volunteers will receive a Washougal volunteer pin and the welcome packet materials.

The city will hold a community event from 9-11 a.m. July 19 in the parking lot of the Washougal Bi-Mart at 3003 Addy St. to help participants learn about litter priority areas in the city, review safety guidelines, connect with fellow volunteers and pick up their Washougal Wins! kits.

Volunteers are encouraged to document their progress and post photos on social media using the program hashtag, #WashougalWins.

Doug Flanagan: 360-735-4669; doug.flanagan@columbian.com