Planning your event
The first thing to do when planning your event is to decide where you would like to clean up. You could choose a local landmark, a well-known area such as a park or woodlands, or target somewhere with a specific litter problem. If the area chosen is privately-owned, remember to ask permission from the landowner.
Then you have to think how to carry out the clean up. Will it be a straightforward litter pick, or do you want a theme or set a challenge for the day? Try to think of ways to make your event as appealing and fun as possible. As a rallying point for the event, choose a central, well-known spot which is familiar to everyone, and choose a start time which suits all. If practical, think about refreshments for those taking part.
Try to get as many groups as possible involved: contact your local schools, uniformed organisations (e.g. Scouts, Brownies etc) local church and youth groups. Even if people don’t actually want to or can’t pick up litter, involve them in other ways such as distribution of litter pickers and gloves, refreshments etc.
It is also important to decide on arrangements for removing the rubbish collected during your clean up. If you are removing it yourself, you can dispose of it at one of the Council’s Recycling Centres / Civic Amenity sites. However, the Council can assist your clean up by collecting the rubbish for you.
Health and safety
It is important that your clean up event be as safe as possible.
Once you have chosen an area to be cleaned up, visit the site and carry out a full risk assessment. This is a careful examination of the possible risks that could cause harm to you or any volunteers taking part. When carrying out the risk assessment, look for the following hazards:
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Dangerous items: unidentified cans or canisters, oil drums, poisons, insecticides, clinical waste, other hazardous substances, broken glass, condoms, syringes etc
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Natural hazards: deep or fast flowing water, currents or tides, steep, slippery or unstable slopes / banks, sharp rocks, mud holes, derelict buildings, busy roads, electric fences, low hanging branches etc
If the area chosen carries too many risks, you and your group may want to consider cleaning up another area. The Council can assist with any risk assessments needed for clean up events.
On the day make sure everyone is aware of potentially dangerous items which they should not pick up, and of potential risks associated with the area. Try to ensure that children are accompanied by an adult, and before the start give a quick briefing on the do’s and don’ts of litter picking (such as only pick up litter with a litter picker, always wear gloves etc).
Obtaining Public Liability Insurance is very important. This will provide legal liability arising from accidental damage or injury that occurs during your event, including damage or injury to a member of the public or their property. If you represent an organisation such as a community council or uniformed organisation it is possible that you are already covered under such insurance. If not, your policy can be extended to provide cover. The Council are able to give help and advice about insurance issues.
Preparation
Make sure everything is arranged to ensure your clean up runs smoothly on the day:
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Ensure you have proper litter picking equipment such as litter pickers, gloves, black bags etc. Falkirk Council can lend this equipment for your clean up.
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Think about using safe containers if you are likely to be picking up a lot of broken glass or sharp metal, as there items can break through refuse sacks and cause injury.
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Have a first aid kit and anti-bacterial wipes in case of any injury. For a large event, you could contact a first aid organisation such as the St Andrews Ambulance Association for advice. They may even be able to provide cover and assistance.
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If you come across hypodermic needles or drugs related litter, DO NOT TOUCH THESE YOURSELF. Contact Falkirk Council on 01324 504 411 to organise the rapid removal of such items.
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If the clean up covers a large area, it would be useful to produce rough maps of the area. The map can show where amenities are, where different groups will be working and where collection points for rubbish are.
All the information on this page, and more, can be found in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Organising a clean up leaflet|.
If you would like more information about holding a clean up event, please contact the Litter Strategy Team, who are happy to help. A full list of assistance is available on the 'Resources aand information' page|.