Organiser Checklist
The following suggestions are intended to help group leaders plan a litter pick. Please feel free to use and adapt them according to your circumstances.
First steps
- Decide on a date and location for your clean up.
- Ask permission from the landowner or council responsible for the land you want to clean up.
- Register your event with National Spring Clean, specifying the size of Clean Up Kit you will require.
- Recruit volunteers. You may wish to make a list of their contact details so you can update them on the meeting time and place, and advise them about appropriate clothing eg sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing.
- Ask your local council if they can provide litter picking equipment and remove litter from the site once you have collected it.
- Carry out a risk assessment of the site to identify potential hazards.
- Contact the local press to let them know about your event.
Mapping
You may find it helpful to sketch a map of the site, marking identifiable landmarks and useful facilities, as well as:
- Proposed litter-picking routes
- Potential hazards
- Litter drop-off/collection points
- Nearest toilets and hand-washing facilities
- Shelter if weather turns bad
- Car parks
Recommended equipment
In addition to the Clean Up Kit, which will be sent once you register, you might want to consider sourcing some of the following – bearing in mind the nature of the site and type of litter you will be dealing with:
- Litter-pickers
- Protective gloves
- Bin bags and bags for recycling
- Wheelbarrows
- Rakes or shovels
- A safe container (eg biscuit tin) for sharp objects
- First aid kit
- Anti-bacterial wipes or hand-washing gel
- A skip
At the event
On the day of the event, be prepared and:
- Check that everyone you are expecting is present.
- Brief participants on how to stay safe during the event.
- Let them know where litter drop off points are for bags full of litter, and where and when to meet up again when you are finished.
- Distribute equipment with instructions on how to use it safely.
- Most importantly – have a fun and safe event!
