Renfrewshire Council

Thousands of dedicated volunteers have been heading out on litter picks every April since 2018 as they support Renfrewshire's annual Big Spring Clean, part of our Team Up to Clean Up campaign.

Local volunteer Linda Kerr also took part in the Big Spring Clean 2022 and she was delighted to see the difference she's making in her community.

Linda said: "I love that physically I can see I am making a difference, even in a small way, and I've collected more than 400 bags of litter this year so far.

"I take my wee trolley with me, and I can easily be out walking for three hours every time I go on a litter pick so it's making me healthier too.

"It's brilliant meeting new people who are like-minded and want to help, and it's great to see the litter removed once I've collected it - teamwork makes the dream work.

"For now, the Team Up to Clean Up campaign is needed in our communities until we educate future generations properly - and I think we are making a difference."

Get involved

If you want to arrange a litter pick in your area at any time of the year, let us know about it and we'll provide you with all the equipment and advice you'll need to get your clean up off the ground. Afterwards, our StreetScene Team will come and take away any rubbish you've collected.

To request equipment, call 0300 300 1375 or email Team Up to Clean Up.

You can also join thousands of volunteers in our group via Team Up to Clean Up on Facebook

The Big Spring Clean 2022

Across the month of action, more than 1,500 people took part in 544 litter picks - that's more than 18 every day.

Community groups, schools and local people all took part in litter picks across Renfrewshire's towns and villages, with the Council supporting them with the provision of equipment, health and safety advice and removal of the collected litter.

Council officers also visited schools to speak to them about the importance of looking after our environment, and the kids were excited to take part in the Big Spring Clean.

Rhys, P5 at Gallowhill Primary, said: "We only have one planet and if it gets destroyed, it's our fault.", while Abbey Campbell, P3 at Rashielea Primary, said: "I liked how we got to buddy up with the P6s and got to help nature. It's important so that animals don't get hurt from eating the litter."

Ella, P5 at Gallowhill Primary, said: "We were competitive about who collected the most litter" and classmate Thea said: "People are throwing their masks away and they're dangerous to animals and birds."

Many volunteers head out on their own almost every day so don't feel that you have to join an organised litter pick. If you want to just get out there, or feel more comfortable on your own, then please go for it!

Get in touch via Team Up to Clean Up.