Community litter picking hub initiative to be expanded

We're delighted that Zero Waste Scotland has announced funding to support us and the Marine Conservation Society to provide individuals, couples, families and small groups (in-line with Scottish Government outdoors advice) with litter-picking and survey kits to tackle littering and help keep Scotland stunning.

We recently announced a the establishment of 11 litter picking hubs across Scotland designed for small groups to survey and take action on litter in their own neighbourhoods.  This new funding will allow us to set up more right across Scotland, empowering people to clean up the places that matter to them.

Natural Environment Minister, Mairi Gougeon said: “Our natural environment is vital to allow biodiversity to thrive and flourish. Litter is harmful to wildlife and the marine environment so these kits from Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Marine Conservation Society will help keep our communities litter free and protect our natural world.

“Everyone needs to take responsibility for protecting our environment. Littering and damage to our natural surroundings is completely unacceptable and there is no place for this type of anti-social behaviour anywhere in Scotland.

“I would like to give my sincere thanks to all those who volunteer to collect rubbish from our beaches, countryside and green spaces. The litter data collected by clean-ups is vitally important to help develop long-term solutions to litter.”

Our Chief Executive Barry Fisher welcomed the funding announcement.  He said: “Our polling* shows that 29% believe that the amount of litter has got worse over the lockdown period, but we know that people across the country want to take action to change that.  This funding will allow us to triple the number of Clean Up Scotland community litter picking hubs we support across Scotland, strengthening the capacity of communities to survey and take action on litter in their own neighbourhoods.”

The funding follows on from the ‘Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way’ campaign delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, together with Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Scottish Government, during July and August. The project highlighted the country’s natural beauty and wildlife and urged visitors not to spoil it by littering when they’re enjoying the delights of our coast, countryside and campsites.

Details on where the kits can be found and how to access them will be promoted once they are all safely in their new hub locations in early October. 

In the meantime if you want to take part in a survey of do a clean up check out our support and guidance.