Mission Possible Celebrates One Million Pieces of Litter Collected This Year

For the first time in Mission Possible’s history, our crews have officially picked up one million pieces of single-use litter in one year! That is one million cups, bottles, containers, and bags cleared from Vancouver’s streets by the MP Clean Team and MP Neighbours (community navigators) crews! 

“This represents not just a million pieces of single-use litter off our streets but a million acts of dignity,” says Matt Smedley, CEO of Mission Possible. “What is powerful is who is doing the cleanup: people who are rebuilding their lives through meaningful work. This millionth piece represents a fresh start for these individuals and a cleaner city for everyone.”

Mission Possible associate, Johnson, had the honour of picking up the millionth piece of litter on December 9th, 2025.

This year alone, Mission Possible’s social enterprises, MP Maintenance and MP Neighbours, have logged more than 54,000 hours of cleaning, graffiti removal, and property care across Vancouver. Their work reaches far beyond the Downtown Eastside, including routes through the downtown core, Gastown, and Strathcona. 

While these social enterprises generate earned revenue through contracts and services, the transformational side of Mission Possible’s work is made possible by donors. Community generosity ensures that each associate receives wraparound coaching, meals, and individualized support to rebuild their lives and careers.

The “millionth piece of single-use litter” symbolizes both environmental stewardship and human transformation. It captures how social enterprise can create real, visible change: on the streets and in people’s lives.

Check out the coverage from CTV News!