Litter picking

Where we live matters. Cleaner streets, parks and open spaces provide the backbone for strong and thriving communities.

We can all help to keep our neighbourhoods clean. It is easy to arrange a tidy up in your street or park, it is instantly rewarding, great exercise and the chance to meet people from your community.

Hire a litter picking kit

We can supply kit for your event free of charge. This includes litter picking sticks, sacks, hi-vis waistcoats and a safety brief.

Love Suffolk, Hate Litter also have some great resources for Primary School teachers.

Protective clothing and equipment

  • Wear suitable footwear and clothing;
  • Wear gloves (volunteers will need to supply their own);
  • Use the litter pickers and reflective waistcoats provided.

Dangerous materials

Volunteers should not touch or move the items listed below. Instead please make a note of the location and report it to the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline (see Contact Details on this page).

  • Broken glass;
  • Drug related litter/hypodermic syringes;
  • Unidentified substance or containers or liquid;
  • Asbestos;
  • Large heavy item;
  • Any other potentially hazardous item.

If there is any doubt about an item, do not touch it and let the Council know. 

Other safety considerations

  • Volunteers under the age of 18 should be supervised by a parent or a responsible adult.
  • Be extremely cautious when litter picking at the side of roads. Restrict litter picking to locations with pavements.
  • Carry out litter picking facing oncoming traffic.
  • Remember, volunteers must wear hi-visibility waistcoats and only litter pick in clear daylight.
  • Do not attempt to clear litter from the road.
  • Prevent scratches and eye injuries by not reaching into hedges or undergrowth. If an item cannot be reached with the litter picker, then leave it.
  • Do not litter pick close to rivers or steep slopes.
  • Consider wildlife. Do not disturb animals or birds that may be nesting and watch out for bee and wasp nests.
  • Stick to areas that you are allowed to enter or obtain land-owner permission.
  • It is recommended that before a litter pick begins a visual site inspection and risk assessment is carried out. This will help to identify potential risks and hazards. If there is any doubt about the safety of a site, then please do not carry out the litter pick.

Collection and disposal of waste

We can supply black sacks for litter and recycling sacks for recyclable litter (empty drinks cans, plastic bottles etc. We can collect the sacks after your event upon request, during normal working hours (Monday-Friday).

Disclaimer

Volunteers participating in litter picks do so at their own risk. Volunteers are not working for, or on behalf of, Ipswich Borough Council therefore the Council will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of the actions and omissions of volunteers or this guidance.

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