Organise a litter pick
Cleaning up your area does not have to be complicated. With Litter Pick, you can join an existing event or organise your own local litter pick in just a few steps. Whether it is a park, path, roadside verge or neighbourhood hotspot, a small group of people can make a big difference in a short amount of time.
Get started with Litter Pick
Join a litter pick
Want to help without organising one yourself? Browse local events and join one near you.
Organise a litter pick
Want to set one up yourself? Find a hotspot near you and select Organise a pick.
Can't find the hotspot?
Report it first. Once reported, it should appear so you can organise a pick there.
How to organise a litter pick
1Choose the right time
Pick a date and time that works for you as the organiser. If you want the best chance of a good turnout, plan your litter pick for:
- •a weekend
- •daylight hours
- •late morning or early afternoon
Keeping it easy for others to attend usually means more people joining.
2Create your event
Once you have chosen your hotspot and time, create the event on Litter Pick. Make sure your event includes:
- •where to meet
- •when it starts
- •how long it will last
- •what people should bring
- •whether equipment will be provided
Once your pick is live, other people can discover it and join.
3Get the equipment you need
You do not need much, but the right kit makes litter picking safer and easier.
Essentials
- •litter picker or grabber
- •sturdy gloves
- •rubbish bags
- •sensible footwear
- •weather-appropriate clothing
- •hand sanitiser
- •drinking water
You can get equipment by:
- •buying it from a local hardware shop, supermarket or garden centre
- •ordering it online
- •asking your local council if they lend equipment to volunteers
Many councils already have schemes for local litter picks and may be able to help.
4Contact your local council
It is worth letting your local council know before your litter pick takes place. They can often help by:
- •lending equipment
- •supplying official council-branded rubbish bags
- •advising where to leave filled bags
- •arranging a suitable collection point
- •collecting the rubbish afterwards
A quick message in advance can make the day much smoother and help make sure the waste is collected properly.
5Pick a safe location
Choose an area that clearly needs attention and is safe to access.
Good options include
- •local streets
- •parks
- •footpaths
- •green spaces
- •beaches or riversides with safe access
Avoid risky locations such as
- •busy roads
- •steep banks
- •deep water edges
- •unstable ground
- •derelict areas
6Keep safety in mind
Litter picking is simple, but it still needs common sense.
Good practice
- •wear gloves throughout
- •stay within your physical limits
- •avoid overfilling bags
- •take breaks if needed
- •stay aware of your surroundings
- •work in daylight where possible
Do not pick up
- •needles or syringes
- •chemical containers
- •asbestos or suspicious building waste
- •oil drums
- •hot disposable BBQs
- •large dumped items
- •broken glass unless you can store it safely
If you find hazardous waste or fly-tipping, report it to your local council rather than trying to move it yourself.
7Keep it family-friendly
Children can join litter picks, but they should always be supervised by a responsible adult. Make sure they know:
- •not to touch anything sharp or unknown
- •to ask an adult if they are unsure
- •to stay within the agreed area
8Finish the pick properly
At the end of the event:
- •tie off the bags securely
- •leave them at the agreed collection point
- •wash or sanitise hands
- •thank everyone who joined
- •encourage people to come back for the next one
One good pick often leads to another.
Why it matters
Litter does more than make a place look messy. It can:
- •harm wildlife and pets
- •pollute rivers and oceans
- •make neighbourhoods feel neglected
- •reduce local pride
A litter pick is a simple, practical way to improve the place around you and get others involved too.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to organise a pick on my own?
No. You can either organise your own event or join one that is already live on the Picks page.
What if my area is not listed as a hotspot?
Report it first on the Report page. Once it has been added, you should be able to organise a pick there.
Where can I get litter picking equipment?
You can buy it locally, order it online, or contact your local council to see if they lend equipment to volunteers.
Should I tell the council before the event?
Yes, ideally. Many councils can provide bags, lend equipment and arrange waste collection afterwards.
What time works best for a litter pick?
Weekends during daylight hours usually give you the best chance of getting people to join.
Can children take part?
Yes, but they should always be supervised by a responsible adult.
What should I do with the rubbish afterwards?
Speak to your local council before the event so they can tell you where to leave the bags and whether they can collect them.