Respect Rochester

What is Respect Rochester?

Respect Rochester serves as a rallying call for residents, businesses, and government to unite in creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier community.

The City’s Department of Environmental Services is intensifying trash removal efforts along targeted commercial corridors in partnership with Neighborhood Service Centers that will support these efforts through intensified code enforcement and organizing and equipping volunteers who want to help keep the city clean.

To keep the anti-littering message top of mind, the City is rolling out branded “Respect Rochester” trash receptacles along commercial corridors, and grabbers, gloves, and trash bags will be available to anyone organizing a beautification event in their area.

Alongside City efforts, property owners, business operators, and neighbors are encouraged to access services or participate in events for ongoing beautification projects throughout the year.

Graphic web banner for Respect Rochester campaign.

Respect Rochester Means Business

As stewards of our commercial corridors, retail businesses play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness around their storefronts. For more information on how you and your business can help, contact your local Neighborhood Service Center.

How to Participate

Join Walking for Rochester

Walking for Rochester strives to inspire everyday people to prevent and eliminate litter in Rochester. The group hosts community clean ups, corporate clean ups and much more.

Join Walking for Rochester

Photo of people participating in a Mini Sweep

Organize a Mini Sweep

Mini sweeps are mini–Clean Sweep events, organized by the community and supported by the City. Mini sweeps can help you and your block club or neighborhood organization improve an area that needs a little love.

Organize a Mini Sweep

Start a Block Club

Block Clubs are a wonderful way of engaging with your neighbors to work together and improve your neighborhood. The 19^th Ward in Southwest Rochester has an awesome website with great ideas to get you started!

Learn more about Block Clubs

Help Remove Graffiti

The "Defacer Eraser" program removes graffiti from City-owned structures in the right-of-way like litter receptacles, benches, and trees.  The City also removes graffiti from structures on private property like buildings.

Learn more about graffiti removal

Photo of a streth with garbage bins at the curb.

Know your Refuse and Recycling Schedule

The Solid Waste Management Division is proud to provide Rochester residents and businesses with the best refuse and recycling collection service possible, including up to date scheduling, how to replace bins, and how to order a litter basket for high-foot traffic areas.

Refuse and Recycling

Report Illegal Dumping

If you witness illegal dumping on public land within the city of Rochester, report the incident to 311 (if you are calling from outside the city limits, call 585-428-5990). You can help keep your neighborhood or place of business neat and tidy!

Report Illegal Dumping

Photo of two garbage trucks in a parking lot.

Get That Vacant Lot Cleaned Up!

Is there a vacant lot in your neighborhood or commercial corridor that is an eyesore? Whether it is a City or privately owned lot we are here to help.

Vacant Lot Clean-Up