How to Start Litter-Picking
Whether you’re planning on picking alone, or getting a group of friends together to pick with you, it’s important to plan your pick properly!
No pick is too small! It’s important to just get out there and make a difference, whether it’s for 5 minutes, or a bigger scale litter-pick, we can all be more womble.
Not sure where to start? Our friends at Keep Britain Tidy offer a great Beginner’s guide to Litter Picking and a Guide on How to Organise a Litter Pick.
If you are looking for a local community group to join litter picking, you can find the nearest Official Wombles Group using our interactive map.
Litter Picking Equipment
It’s important to make sure that you are using suitable litter-picking equipment, to ensure that no injuries occur.
We recommend using litter-grabbers, bag hoops, gloves and high vis jackets. We’ve partnered up with Helping Hand who are a leading UK litter-picking equipment supplier.
Our Official Wombles Groups get a special discount code when they sign up with us – so make sure you register your group with us!
Looking for free equipment? Some local councils have access to free litter-picking equipment that you can use and return. So make sure to contact your local council, or parish, to see if this option is available.
If you aren’t part of a group, make sure to sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with discounts and competitions throughout the year.
Staying Safe While Litter-Picking
It is important to ensure you are being safe when litter-picking. We’ve partnered up with Keep Britain Tidy, who supply a risk assessment template that can be used for your litter picks.
We’ve also put together some simple safety guidelines to help you ensure you are being safe, which you can download below.
Download Safety Guidelines
Picking Litter On Your Own
You don’t have to be part of a litter-picking group to go out and make a difference to your local area.
Whether you pick up some litter on your walk back from school or work, or you take 10 minutes on your weekend to collect as much as you can, it all makes a difference!
That said, we do have a network of community groups if you ever want to make a great impact in your local community. If you’re looking for a litter-picking group to join in with, you can use our interactive map to find your nearest Official Wombles Group.
How to Safely Dispose of your Rubbish
Picked up lots of litter in your local area? You might now be wondering how best to dispose of your collections.
If your haul is relatively small you may be able to separate it into your household waste and recycling.
Got more than a few bags? You can take them to your local waste centre. If you are planning a bigger litter-pick, and think you might collect a lot of litter, please reach out to your local council prior to your pick to find out how to dispose of it properly. You can search for your local council here.
Unsure of what is recyclable? Head to Recycle Now to find out more.
FAQs
How bad is litter for the environment?
Littering isn’t just something that spoils the view; it really affects our environment. Animals can mistake plastic waste for food or get caught in it, which harms local wildlife. Plus, litter can pollute our drinking water sources.
It’s also not a great feeling walking at a park or a beach littered with trash. When we litter, it’s not just the environment that takes a hit—we’re affected too.
How does picking up litter help?
Picking up litter at a time helps, and here’s how. First off, you’re helping the environment by cutting down on pollution. Plus, a tidy environment not only looks healthy, but it also gives everyone around a cheerful lift!
It’s super uplifting, especially for the little ones. When kids and folks see how easy it is to make a positive impact, it’s like starting a chain reaction that benefits the whole community.
Do you need permission to do a litter pick?
Usually, you’ll need a bit of planning and permission, especially for a group cleanup. But each area has its own rules. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Public spaces: If you’re planning to tidy up parks, beaches, or special areas like rivers and canals, it’s a good idea to notify the local council or relevant authority. They appreciate the heads-up.
- Private property: Make sure to get the landowner’s permission first. It keeps everything legal and respectful.
If you’re litter picking on your own, it’s generally more relaxed. Just be cautious about your surroundings, avoid private lands, and make sure to dispose of the litter properly. If you’re still unsure about permission requirements, reach out to us. We’re here to help.
How do I make litter picking fun?
Here are some great ideas to get everyone excited for your next litter pick:
- Challenge your team with a list of items to spot and collect, like plastic bottles, bottle caps or candy wrappers. Make it a friendly competition and see who can tick off the most items. It adds a bit of thrill and excitement to the mission.
- Invite friends, family, or other community members to join you. You’ll find that the more, the merrier! Making it a group event turns litter picking into a lively social activity rather than just doing it solo. You can find your closest Official Wombles Group here.
- Why not pick up litter in a beautiful park, along a beach, or on a nature trail? You’ll enjoy the lovely views while making a positive impact, which is a win-win.
- Add some festive flair by organising themed litter picks, like dressing up for Halloween or creating a Christmas vibe. Themes can bring a fun twist and get more people excited to join.
- Snap some before-and-after photos of the areas you’re cleaning. Sharing these on social media can be super motivating and lets everyone see the amazing difference you’re making. Plus, it’s a great way to inspire others to join in next time!