Feel good, litter pick.

The easiest way to get involved is to join the many people who already litter pick when out and about. Leaving somewhere cleaner than you found it is very rewarding in the fight-back against littering. Picking up litter makes you feel good, shows ‘litterers’ people do care, encourages others to join in, and may even be a deterrent to those that litter. However, always put safety first in where, and what you pick up.

To add more excitement, you could try using the LitterLotto app which is a free to enter prize draw, just for using a bin.

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.

Do I need equipment?

Not necessarily. If you simply pick up the odd piece of litter which catches your eye when out and about you will be joining many other like minded individuals who routinely pick litter as they go and pop it in the nearest bin or recycle it.

If you want to take part in a more organised event then litter picking equipment will be helpful/needed. Contact your local authority in the first instance who may have equipment available to borrow and at the same time you will be able to register your litter pick with them so they can arrange to collect the litter if needed. See our guidance below for more information.

If you are feeling resourceful, you could even 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 street litter bins (please don’t fill them) or your household collection containers which means some can be recycled, 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 litter picking 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 for 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:

• Contact your local authority before you arrange a litter pick event.
• Litter and fly tipped waste is not accepted at Recycling Centres unless otherwise specified.
• If you only collect small amounts, please don’t completely fill litter bins, or leave waste next to bins as this can lead to overflowing / scavenging which can contribute to even more local litter.
• If you see a full litter bin please Report it
• Don’t pick on roads which put you in danger, and never on roads with speed limits over 40mph. Report the litter issue instead.
• If litter frustrates, just remember that not all littering is deliberate (it may simply be careless) and we only see what is left behind, not what is taken away.

See our FAQs or let us know if you have any further questions.

Be 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 (17th March – 2nd April 2023).

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.