#SpringCleanScotland launches

Everyone across Scotland is being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and keep their community beautiful as part of #SpringCleanScotland - the country’s largest annual mass litter picking event which kicked off today and runs until 24 April. 

More than 10,000 people have already registered across Scotland, pledging their time and energy to address the litter that is polluting our country across more than 200 events. 

Earlier this year we revealed 50% of Scottish adults admitted to littering in the past 12 months. This, combined with the 88% of people who believe litter is a problem nationally, highlights the scale of the task at hand. 

#SpringCleanScotland is the perfect opportunity for everyone to play their part and help address this issue collectively. 

Barry Fisher, our Chief Executive commented: “As we launch this year’s #SpringCleanScotland I’m delighted to say we’ve already passed 10,000 registrations – but we need thousands more. 

“We know how strong the appetite is for a cleaner Scotland - more than 80% of people want more done to clean up and prevent litter. 

“We are calling for the next Scottish Government to do more to address litter by investing in prevention, behaviour change and enforcement and it would be fantastic to see party leaders, MSPs and prospective MSPs show their commitment to tackling litter during Spring Clean, either by organising a clean up or supporting a local event. 

“While we continue to push for this, we need everyone to play their part. We all have a job to do so join a litter pick or register your own and help us keep our precious environment free from litter.”

Laura Anderson, one of our Ambassadors and environmental campaigner, said: "Seeing so many people already sign up to #SpringCleanScotland shows how much people care about the places they live. Litter damages our environment and local communities, but it’s something we can all take action on. By getting involved in a litter pick we can make an immediate difference and help protect the places we enjoy. At the same time, the scale of the problem shows we also need stronger action to prevent litter in the first place, so communities aren’t left dealing with the consequences. I’m looking forward to joining local litter picks across South Ayrshire and playing a small part in helping keep the area clean and beautiful.”

To help raise awareness of the campaign across the country, Keep Scotland Beautiful has partnered with Citylink who have wrapped a bus with our litter mascots to urge more people to get involved. Our litter characters were thrilled to see themselves feature on the side of a coach at the launch photoshoot ahead of a litter pick in Glasgow.

Scottish Citylink Managing Director Simone Walsh said: "Our coach services run the length and breadth of Scotland and we're proud to help people explore and enjoy our beautiful country. Being part of the Spring Clean Scotland campaign means we can also play a practical role in keeping Scotland beautiful by supporting local communities in getting involved in the spring clean activities in their local areas, as well as our own team donning their gloves and getting involved in litter picks throughout this year too." 

Find a clean-up event near you or register one today and join thousands of others making a positive difference.

#SpringCleanScotland compliments the work we are doing to support the delivery of Scotland’s National Litter and Flytipping Strategy and inspire shifts in behaviours.