The Trash Dash 2026

The Neighborhood Design Center is heading back to Middle Branch Park to take on a challenge facing too many of our public spaces: trash.

Trash Dash is more than a cleanup—it’s a community-powered effort to care for a beloved park along the Patapsco River while raising critical funds to support NDC’s work across Baltimore. Teams of 5–10 will compete to collect the most trash, turning collective action into visible impact.

Our goal is to raise $12,000 to fuel NDC’s Community Design Works program, which provides pro bono design services to neighborhoods working to improve their built environment. Every bag of trash collected—and every dollar raised—helps move community-led projects forward.

How to get involved:
Join or start a team, donate to support a participant, or give directly to the campaign. However you show up, you’re helping create cleaner, more vibrant, and more cared-for public spaces.

We’ll provide gloves, tools, and refreshments—just bring your energy (and maybe a little competitive spirit).