City Cast Pittsburgh logo

How To ‘Clean Up’ in the Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics

Posted on August 15, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Francesca Dabecco

Francesca Dabecco

City of Pittsburgh trash can in a park

Get to know Pittsburgh’s trash and recycling rules. (Francesca Dabecco)

Does your neighborhood need redd up? You can make a difference by channeling your competitive spirit in the 2025 Garbage Olympics on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The annual competition to see which neighborhood can pick up the most trash started in 2017, and it’s been growing every year since. Last year was the biggest yet, with nearly 600 volunteers representing more than 50 neighborhoods.

Mt. Oliver won first place in 2024; Allentown and South Side Flats won second and third, respectively. Communities are even awarded special prizes, like for the strangest item found. Last years’ weird find was a tall, skinny Santa-shaped candle.

Bags, gloves, safety vests, and litter grabbers will be provided by Public Works and the Clean Pittsburgh Commission.

➡️ Register to join your neighborhood team. Afterwards, celebrate at the closing ceremony at Velem Fermentation from 1-3 p.m.

🎨 Are you a creative? The Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics is looking for artists of all ages and skill levels to create pieces celebrating community that will go on display at the Closing Ceremonies. Submit original artwork here.

Happy cleaning!

♻️ Know These Trash & Recycling Rules

Share article

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

See All
Pittsburgh Life HacksMarch 18

Credit Union vs. Bank: What’s the Difference And Does It Matter in Pittsburgh?

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by their members, AKA the people who have accounts there.

Photo of a Clearview FCU employee working with a client.
Pittsburgh Life HacksJanuary 23

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

Help make Pittsburgh more accessible by reporting sidewalk issues from anywhere in the city.

A volunteer with the Safe Sidewalks Crew surveys the sidewalk
Pittsburgh Life HacksJanuary 7

Your Complete Guide to Trash and Recycling Rules in Pittsburgh

Special trash pickups, what's recyclable, and how to get rid of hazardous materials in Pittsburgh.

a bin full of plastic recycling
Pittsburgh Life HacksDecember 22, 2025

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County will recycle your Christmas trees and turn them into mulch for spring gardens.

a stack of evergreen trees
Pittsburgh Life HacksDecember 16, 2025

How To Become A Pittsburgh Snow Angel

The City of Pittsburgh is looking for Snow Angel volunteers to help remove snow for seniors and people with disabilities.

shoveling snow on sidewalk
Pittsburgh Life HacksDecember 1, 2025

Who Plows Your Roads When It Snows in Pittsburgh?

Get to know the rules and need-to-knows for snowy weather in Western Pennsylvania.

a snowy street on Pittsburgh's north side
Pittsburgh Life HacksNovember 14, 2025

6 Free Things You Can Get With Your Library Card in Pittsburgh

How you can check out power tools, music equipment, bakeware, and more at Pittsburgh-area libraries.

Locally-designed Carnegie Library cards. (Carnegie Library)
Pittsburgh Life HacksOctober 29, 2025

What To Do With Leftover Pumpkins in Pittsburgh

Take your jack-o-lantern to a Great Pumpkin Smash or donate your uncarved pumpkin to Pittsburgh goats and pigs.

a table of pumpkins at the farm market