Purple Bag Program
Purple Bag Pilot Program Launched to Establish Waste Pickup at Select Homeless Encampments in Tacoma
The City of Tacoma has launched a Purple Bag Pilot Project to establish regular waste pickup service at select homeless encampments in the city of Tacoma. This project is intended to limit the harmful impacts of improperly disposed waste to human health and our environment. Pilot project services will include:
- Distribution of purple trash bags, sharps containers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to individuals experiencing homelessness living on City-owned open space restoration sites.
- Regular waste pickup services coordinated with a third-party cleanup contractor.
- Ongoing outreach and resource services by our Homeless Outreach Team.
Purple bags are a temporary solution intended to help individuals experiencing homelessness maintain safe and clean living areas until they are able to connect with shelters or other housing opportunities that meet their needs. Our Homeless Outreach Team continues to provide regular outreach to individuals living in encampments. To request outreach support to individuals living in an encampment, please make a request online or call (253) 591-5000.
Why are the Bags Purple?
The unique purple color distinguishes these bags from those intended for other cleanup programs or general use. The purple bag model has been used in other cities, including Seattle and Austin, Texas.
Who can distribute and collect purple bags?
Distribution of purple bags is coordinated in partnership with a third-party cleanup contractor. Collection services are not managed by the City's Solid Waste utility, and operates as a separate and distinct service. During this pilot project, volunteer opportunities are not available for community members to assist with distribution or collection.
How Does Improperly Disposed of Waste Impact the Environment?
Garbage, human waste, hazardous materials, and other improperly disposed items can negatively impact environmental quality and function by damaging vegetation, increasing erosion, and contributing to pollution. Hazardous waste can also end up in our surface water – damaging our delicate watersheds and marine ecosystems.
The City of Tacoma is following COVID-19 guidance on encampment response from the Center for Disease Control and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, which recommends not dispersing already congregated encampments. By providing regular waste pickup service, we aim to improve human health and environmental outcomes in our community. A significant number of community members experiencing homelessness are currently living on or around passive open space sites and stormwater facilities managed by the City of Tacoma. By providing regular waste pickup service, the City of Tacoma aims to improve human health and environmental outcomes on these sites.
Purple Bag Pilot Timeline |
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| October - November 2020 | ES and NCS will have on-site conversations with unsheltered persons to learn more about their waste management needs. |
| November 2020 | Information about the project will be sent to neighboring residents via mailers, website information, and TacomaFIRST 311. |
| November 2020 - April 2021 |
Purple bags, sharps containers, PPE, and other materials will be ordered, and distribution of materials will begin. |
| Spring 2021 | Pending program outcomes, ES will look into expanding project resources to serve additional sites across the city. |