Keep Your Street Neat: A Cleaner Community Starts With You
Why a Clean Street Matters
4th and Gill Neighborhood Cleanup. Source: KKB
If every neighbor took just a few minutes each week to care for their street, Knoxville would be cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for everyone. Litter may seem like a small problem, but it has a big impact. Studies show that communities with heavy litter see property values decrease by more than 7%. Litter also clogs storm drains, increases flooding, harms wildlife, and makes public spaces less inviting. But here’s the good news: keeping Knoxville clean starts right outside your front door. When one neighbor takes pride in their street, it inspires others to follow. Small actions really do create big change.
How You Can Help Keep Knoxville Beautiful
Become a Neighborhood Leader
Take the first step! Organize a small cleanup with your neighbors or your homeowners’ association. Whether you host a one-time event or maintain your block year-round, your leadership helps set the standard for your community.
Presenting at a neighborhood meeting. Source: KKB.
Host an Education Program
Want to bring others on board? Invite Keep Knoxville Beautiful to speak at your next neighborhood meeting. We’ll share simple, practical ways to prevent litter, recycle more effectively, and build a greener neighborhood culture.
Recycle at Neighborhood Events
Make your next block party, cookout, or community festival waste-free! KKB offers free recycling bins and resources for neighborhood gatherings. Recycling reduces landfill waste and keeps valuable materials in use longer.
Adopt-A-Road
Show your pride in your community by adopting a road through KKB’s Adopt-A-Road program. Your group commits to keeping it litter-free year-round — and your name will appear on an official roadside sign. It’s a great way to make a visible, lasting difference.
Borrow Cleanup Supplies
Planning a cleanup event? Don’t worry about buying gear — KKB loans trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and other supplies for free. We make it easy to take action safely and effectively.
South Knoxville Community Cleanup. Source: KKB.
Join a Community Cleanup
Prefer to pitch in with others? Join one of our seasonal cleanups around the city:
East Knoxville Community Cleanup – Fall
North Knoxville Community Cleanup – Spring
South Knoxville Community Cleanup – Spring
Spread the Word
Your effort can inspire others!
Take before-and-after photos of your street, and share them on social media with #KeepYourStreetNeat and #KeepKnoxvilleBeautiful.
Don’t forget to tag @KeepKnoxvilleBeautiful — we love featuring our community champions!
Report Litter Hotspots
Noticed an area that needs attention?
We’re here to help. Contact us at info@keepknoxvillebeautiful.org or call (865) 521-6957 to report litter hotspots or request supplies for your next cleanup.
“When every street is neat, every neighborhood shines.”
Thank you to the UTK Public Relations class students —Olivia Tanner, Sonia Elisa Delgado, Brooke Inkrot, Rylee Short, and Jenna Triplett —for creating the 'Keep Your Street Neat' campaign!