Volunteer Guidelines and Drain Cleaning Instructions

General Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for your dedication to Lexington! Your well-being and enjoyment are important to us. All volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, courteous, and legal manner while participating in activities on Town property or right-of-way. Please follow these guidelines:

General Safety

• Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, sunscreen, and eye protection (when necessary).
• Be extra careful in wet or slippery conditions.
• Report non-emergency issues to Public Works. Call 911 for emergencies.

Traffic Safety

• Stay out of the street as much as possible, and work from the sidewalk if you can.
• Wear a bright reflective work vest or bright-colored clothing.
• Cross streets at signals or crosswalks, not mid-block.

Working Near Waterways

• Always work with a partner near water.
• Watch your footing on slopes and shorelines.
• Never allow children to work on steep slopes or near shorelines without adult supervision.

Debris Removal

• Wear gloves or use a rake or broom to clear the drain, and use caution when picking up debris. Always sweep, rake or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.
• Separate collected materials into the appropriate garbage, recycling, yard waste, or compost bins.
• Never touch hazardous or medical waste (including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles). Report such items to Public Works.

General Conduct

• Always be courteous to fellow volunteers and Town employees.
• Never make unauthorized changes to Town property or right-of-way, including landscaping.

Drain Cleaning Instructions

• Be mindful of road traffic and keep an eye out for cars, trucks, and bicycles when clearing your drain. Work from the sidewalk as much as possible.
• Clear any debris that is directly blocking your storm drain, and clear an area a few feet around the drain to remove anything that could get swept in or block the drain. This includes leaves, sticks, snow, and trash.
• Wear gloves or use a rake or broom to clear the drain, and use caution when picking up debris.
• Dispose of trash or recyclables as you would normally, in their appropriate bins. Organic material like leaves and sticks can be disposed of with your yard waste. Check our trash and recycling page if you have questions about how to dispose of anything you clear out of your drain.
• Never try to remove the grate or reach inside the storm drain.
• Be sure to check your drain around major weather events — before and after it rains, or after a snow storm.
• If anything appears to be broken, or you have any concerns about your drain, please report non-emergency issues to Public Works.