Each spring, our community comes together for one powerful purpose—caring for the place we call home. Skagway Clean Sweep is more than just a litter pick-up; it’s a shared commitment to protecting the beauty, health, and sustainability of our valley. From downtown streets to trails and shorelines, participants roll up their sleeves to ensure Skagway remains as pristine for future generations as it is for today’s visitors.
This event brings together employers, seasonal workers, year-round residents, and visitors alike. Whether you’re new to town or have called Skagway home for decades, Clean Sweep is a meaningful way to connect with the community and take pride in our surroundings. It’s especially impactful for seasonal staff, offering a hands-on introduction to the responsibility we all share as stewards of the traditional lands of the Lingít people.
Participants are equipped with bags provided by Alaskans for Litter Prevention & Recycling and inspired by local leaders in sustainability. The Skagway Solid Waste Advisory Committee will be on hand to share tips on composting and reducing waste, while a guest from Defenders of Wildlife will highlight how proper waste practices help protect our local animals.
And there are some great incentives for volunteers! The Municipality of Skagway offers one voucher for each household participant entitling them to a one-time drop off of up to 50lbs of residential household waste and surcharge fee waived. (Worth roughly $20)
The owners of The Kone Kompany historically provides coupons to every participant for one free single scoop of ice cream to demonstrate their commitment to this event.
Explore Skagway gives out free stickers and event magnets.
And of course, no Skagway gathering is complete without a warm welcome—participants can enjoy free baked goods and coffee, as a thank-you for pitching in.
Skagway School teachers and student historically start cleaning the Friday before the community event. Skagway School District received Honorable Mention from ALPAR for Outstanding Education and Outreach in teaching our children about the importance of community service and environmental stewardship.
We’re also proud to celebrate community champions like Holland America and Skagway’s Planet Protectors, who were recognized last year by ALPAR for their outstanding Clean Sweep efforts. Their leadership shows how collective action can make a real difference.
By taking part in Clean Sweep, you’re not just picking up trash—you’re helping sustain the environment that supports our community and our cruise-based economy. It’s a simple act with lasting impact.
👉 Learn more about the 2026 Event, scheduled for April 25th, here: https://www.skagway.com/event/spring-clean-sweep-2026/3782/
