Its goal is to help raise the consciousness of the general public to the fact that we must all, as individuals, take personal, active responsibility to help save our planet. Trash Force tries to schedule cleanups in locations accessible by public transportation, or to arrange for carpools to sites that are not. Turnout for the cleanups varies from a handful of people to 80 or more, depending upon the location and weather, and includes folks of all ages. The materials collected are put into plastic bags and disposed of, or recycled, responsibly. For those interested in socializing with others who share their commitment to helping the planet, a congenial group lunch, at a nearby restaurant, usually follows immediately after the cleanup.
Public safety is increased, because people feel safer in a clean, litter-free environment.
This results in more people making use of, and enjoying, public areas. Materials that can be are recycled. Participants get to work outdoors, breath some fresh air, and gain a feeling of accomplishment and comraderie with others who share their vision for a better world. Trash Force is often joined by other volunteer organizations, most notably Single Volunteers of DC , which has been helping out monthly since January 1998.