Get involved
There are lots of ways you can get involved with Clean Devon.
Feel good, litter pick.
The easiest way is to join the many people who already pick up litter when out and about. Leaving somewhere cleaner than you found it is very rewarding in the fight-back against littering. It makes you feel good, encourages others to join in, but always put safety first in where, and what you pick up.
If you want to do more, you could set up a litter picking group, join an existing group or meet for a planned event such as a beach clean. Just be aware of the latest government Covid-19 advice for litter picking, meeting up and social distancing.
Do I need equipment?
Not necessarily. If you simply pick up the odd piece of litter when out and about you will be joining many other like minded individuals who routinely pick litter as they go.
If you want to take part in a more organised event then it is likely that litter picking equipment will be needed. See our guidance below for more information.
If you are feeling resourceful, you could make your own litter picker! (follow the ‘make your own litter picker‘ link from North Devon’s website)
What do I do with the litter?
Small amounts of litter can be disposed of in your household collection containers, but please don’t pick up hazardous or fly tipped items which should always be reported to your local council.
For larger amounts of litter or bigger events on public land, let your local council know before you litter pick for advice about what to do with the waste collected. Often local authorities are very appreciative and will arrange the drop-off or collection of the litter collected.
On private land, you will need to contact the landowner for permission to access the land and to arrange disposal which will need to be funded by the landowner.
Just bear in mind:
- Litter and fly tipped waste is not accepted at Recycling Centres.
- Please don’t fill litter bins with your litter picked waste as this can lead to full and overflowing bins which means the bin is not available for general litter.
- Please don’t leave waste next to litter bins as this is classed as littering, and scavengers can undo all your hard work.
- Just contact your local authority before you litter pick.
See our FAQs or let us know if you have any further questions.
Stay safe and thank you for your support in keeping Devon beautiful.
Planning your litter pick:
- Litter picking advice for groups
- Litter picking advice for schools
- Use our posters at the bottom of this page.
Events:
- National Event – Great British Spring Clean (2022) (25th March to 10th April). Further details will be available in early 2022. The 2021 event exceeded its target to make 1 million miles of British outdoor spaces ‘cleaner & greener’.
Find a local group:
- Local groups often advertise events on social media, third party websites like CleanupUK or you could contact your local council. You could also create your own group.
