General FAQs

We've compiled a list of the Frequently Asked Questions we hear from you most.

Please contact us for any other queries.

  • No, Keep Oakland Beautiful (KOB) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

    KOB is sometimes confused with Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful (KOCB). KOCB is a division of Oakland Public Works responsible for regularly scheduled street sweeping, city-wide litter reduction, maintenance of sidewalk litter containers, keeping paved medians and City-owned lots free of overgrown vegetation, pick-up of illegal dumping on streets, graffiti removal from public property, and cleanup of homeless encampments.

  • If you are interesting in volunteering at an upcoming event, get updates on our schedule by visiting our Events page, following us on social media, or joining our mailing list.

    If you are interested in becoming a volunteer board member, you can learn more here.

  • The City of Oakland’s Adopt-A-Spot program supports volunteers in the upkeep of parks, creeks, shorelines, storm drains, streets, trails, and other public spaces.

    There are three ways to complete an application:

    1. Apply online

    2. Email adoptaspot@oaklandca.gov

    3. Phone 510-238-7630

    Learn more about Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Drain, and other City of Oakland volunteer opportunities.

  • Please contact Oakland 311.

  • All Oakland households can receive a free Bulky Junk Pickup service. Learn more and schedule your appointment with Waste Management.

  • In order to organize a cleanup event on public property, an Adopt-A-Spot application must be completed. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Spot program.

    Once you have received approval from a Public Works Staff representative, you may host your event. Common activities include trash pick-ups and graffiti removal.

    If the event you plan to host requires significant changes to a public park, you may be prompted to request confirmation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC).

    If you wish to host a drain cleanup, learn more about the Adopt-A-Drain program.

    Learn more about City of Oakland volunteer opportunities.

  • Organizing an event on private property is outside of City jurisdiction. Approval of the property owner would be required to host events.

    Ownership records are open to the public. To learn more about a property owner, please contact Alameda County Assessor's Office. Public records may also be requested through the City of Oakland.

    1. Identify  an existing City trash can in need of beautification and document the exact location and/or street address.

    2. Submit an Adopt-A-Spot application for the trash can.

    3. After the request is approved, work with your community to further develop an agreed upon design that will be transposed onto the trash bin side panels using tiles. Including others helps generate ownership and gain buy-in from nearby residents. Mosaics can incorporate themes of the place, neighborhood pride, nature, stewardship, patterns, etc. 

    4. Estimate how much it will cost to cover the surface area. Each trash can panel is 6 square feet or 2’x3’ for a total of 18 square feet for each trash can. 

    5. Acquire funds to complete the project. Consider applying for a Community Grant from Keep Oakland Beautiful.

    6. ​Once your Adopt-A-Spot is approved, your designs are selected, and your funds identified, a timeline can be drafted to purchase all materials, storing, preparing, installing and finishing up the work. ​

For questions related to our Community Grants program, learn more here‍.