How to run a litter pick
You can download the following information here: How to run a litter pick
Contents of this page
Before an Event
Install FixMyStreet App
This is available on Android and Apple phones.
It will enable you to report the location of the rubbish bags you have left and also any hypodermic needles you find during the event. The needles will usually be collected very quickly during working hours. Bags will be collected later.
There is also a website where you can make reports: https://www.fixmystreet.com/
Identify a location where the pick will take place
Although most places seem pretty clean, there is always a surprising amount of rubbish to find once you start looking.
Canals
We do not advise you to collect along canals due to the small risk of falling in the water.
However, if you really want to collect along the canals (which often have a lot of rubbish) you should liaise with the Canals and Rivers Trust at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us
They will usually work with you and send a liaison officer with equipment and safety equipment on the day of the litter pick.
Parks
If you want to collect rubbish in a park you can, although it might be a good idea to talk to the park manager (if there is one) or contact Coventry Park Ranger Manager james.allen@coventry.gov.uk and let him know what you are planning.
Identify pickup point for rubbish bags
Best to leave the filled bags near an existing waste bin for ease of collection. Do not put the bags into the bin.
Risk Assessment
Litter picking has certain risks you may not have thought of: abandoned hypodermic needles, falling into water, dogs, one of the party getting lost or injured and perhaps taken to hospital. You need to be as prepared as you can be so you will be covered in case of accusations of negligence.
You should therefore fill in a risk assessment. This will ensure you have thought through the risks.
A sample is available at
https://covcan.uk/litter-pick-risk-assessment-sample/
Collect Volunteer Information
You need to ask all volunteers for the following information:
Name
Mobile Number
Telephone Number of person to contact in case of accident
Record this information on a sheet of paper or document on a mobile device and take it on the day of the event.
Prepare Volunteer Briefing
Write a briefing to deliver to all the volunteers at the start of the event.
A sample volunteer briefing is available at
https://covcan.uk/litter-pick-volunteer-briefing-sample/
Send Volunteers Essential Information
Where to meet: the best place is where they will eventually leave the bags of litter they collect.
Day and time to meet.
How long event will last.
They must bring and wear masks, stout shoes and if possible heavy gloves.
You could also send them a copy of the briefing document.
On Day of Event
Take the following equipment
Litter pickers, carrier bags for individuals, large bags to collect litter, bag holders, documents containing volunteer details and volunteer briefing, gardening gloves to lend out if necessary, disposable gloves to wear under borrowed gloves, spare masks, hand sanitiser, sterilising wipes.
Procedure
At start:
Check volunteers in and mark on list.
Ensure they are wearing stout shoes.
Deliver volunteer briefing.
Give out equipment:
Litter pickers or holder for large bag.
Large and small bags. Small bags for individuals to fill and empty into large bag.
If necessary give out disposable masks, disposable gloves and gardening gloves.
During pick:
Lead team to picking area. Check distancing and safety.
Fill large bags and take to collection point.
If hypodermic needles found, do not touch but Use FixMyStreet app to report to local authority who will collect them safely.
Take photographs and videos.
At end:
Check team out and mark on list to make sure everyone has arrived back safely.
Collect equipment including gardening gloves.
Dispose of disposable gloves.
Wipe equipment with sterilising wipes.
Let everyone use hand sanitizer if required.
Thank team for their efforts. Take photo of bags collected. Ensure bags placed safely.
Litter pickers
Pick paper/plastic litter and put into carrier bag or large bag.
When carrier bag is full, empty into large bag.
Large Bag Holder
Work with litter pickers.
When bag is full, give to leader to receive replacement.
After Event
Wipe all equipment.
Use FixMyStreet app to notify local authority that bags need collecting.