Get free litter picking equipment to help your area

100 hi-vis jackets, litter pickers and special bin bags are being offered in exchange for your time to help clean up your area.

Charnwood Borough Council has purchased additional equipment to help people who want to help give their local communities a spring clean or are planning to get involved in next month’s Great British Spring Clean.

The campaign is organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and will be held across the country between Friday May 28 and Sunday June 13, 2021 however, residents are being encouraged to get a head of the game this year and safely start litter picking now if they wish.

The Council has bought an extra 100 hi-vis jackets and litter pickers and will also be providing colour coded bags to help identify rubbish which has been collected by litter picking groups.

Equipment will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and people are being urged to get in touch with the Council as soon as possible.

There will be a limit of six equipment packs per groups, and the Council will also accept requests from individuals.

Groups and individuals will be able to keep the equipment for future litter picks.

This year the Great British Spring Clean is asking communities of #LitterHeroes to join its #MillionMileMission to clear litter from streets, parks and beaches across the UK.

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces said: “I’m pleased to see the Great British Spring Clean return after it was cancelled due to the pandemic last year.

“Many more residents have enjoyed our parks over the past 12 months and this is a great opportunity to take pride in the places which have provided us with safe spaces to exercise and meet friends and family outdoors during the pandemic.

“We have purchased additional equipment this year to help support those who want to get out in the fresh air and make a difference to their local areas.

“We know lots of womble groups and individuals are already out and about litter picking and people don’t have to wait for the Great British Spring Clean if they want to get started now.

“I would encourage everyone to only pick litter in numbers which meet the current Government guidance and to follow current public health advice to reduce the spread of the virus and ensure people stay safe.”

The Council is being supported by partners Idverde which manages the Council’s parks and green spaces, and Serco, which runs the refuse, recycling, and street cleansing service.

Individuals and groups can also register their litter picking and cleansing events at www.greatbritishspringclean.org.uk.

People can request equipment and provide details of their litter pick by emailing cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk