The Great Cape Breton Clean Up

The Great Cape Breton Clean Up is an annual community event that brings residents together to help keep our communities beautiful and litter-free. Each year, volunteers across CBRM take part by cleaning up local parks, trails, roadways and neighbourhoods.

Everyone is welcome to participate. It’s a great way to show pride in your community and make a visible difference across Cape Breton.

The 2026 Great Cape Breton Clean Up takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

• Register in advance to let us know where you will be collecting your supplies.
• Arrive at your location between 8:30-10 a.m. on May 2 to pick up supplies. Gloves and garbage bags will be available.
• Choose an area you’d like to clean. You can focus on your own neighbourhood or a public area in need of attention.
• Leave filled bags curbside in locations where municipal trucks can easily access them for collection. 
• Call 311 to report your bag locations once you’ve finished bagging.
• Do NOT leave bags along 100-series highways or on/off-ramps, as these are not serviced by Solid Waste crews.

• Wear bright or reflective clothing so you’re visible to drivers.
• Bring a reusable water bottle. Water is available at supply pick-up sites.
• Keep youth participants away from traffic areas.
• Do not handle sharps or hazardous materials. Report their location by calling 311.

Take photos of your clean-up efforts and share them on social media using #CBRM or #CBCleanUp. 

Follow CBRM’s Facebook page for updates, prize announcements and photos from across the municipality.