So you're heading out on a Eco-Clean?
THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
From us at onHand, from your local community of humans, animals and plant life, AND from Mother Earth herself 🌎🤗
Where to litter pick
As long as you don’t put yourself in danger you can pretty much go litter picking anywhere. Don’t go litter picking alongside a motorway for example unless it’s an organised occasion and the road is closed! Also, it would also need to be somewhere convenient for you to get to. High traffic areas where there’s usually lots of rubbish as well.
Equipment
To ensure our Eco Cleans do not create more waste (that would defeat the point!), we recommend you do NOT order any materials for the day. Instead, we suggest:
Bring an old pair of gloves (gardening gloves work well!)
If you need to purchase gloves, make sure they're reusable.
Brings your own rubbish bag (ideally reusable, like a tote or bag for life)
If you have to order bags, we suggest a biodegradable option (these have a 25L capacity)
If you would really like litter pickers, you can find a selection here. (We recommend investing in some decent ones so they can be used again for future eco cleans!)
And do have a check around the office too (we've found a lot of companies have a great supply for gloves and pickers hidden in cupboards!)
Many local authorities lend individual items, or kits to groups. You can find your local authority contact details here.
Make sure you dress for the weather and the occasion!
(e.g. don't forget to bring a waterproof & wrap up warm! We are in the UK after all 🌧️)
How to litter pick
There are several different ways you can go about picking up rubbish. It will mainly depend on how much rubbish there is at the clean location and also how many people are taking part.
We suggest just simply picking every piece of rubbish you see and putting it in a rubbish bag. If the bag starts to get heavy, find the nearest bin and pop the rubbish in there, separating the rubbish and recycling if you can ( if you have access to a recycling bin).
Alternatively, you can sort the litter into glass, recyclables and non-recyclable as you go so it's easier to sort at the end of the clean, but as long as it's in a bag and not on the street, it's a win!
More advice on litter picking in this blog: https://greenecofriend.co.uk/litter-picking/
Disposing of your litter
At the end of your clean, if you aren't able to empty all of your rubbish into an on-street/on-site bin, the bags can simply be left next to the correct bin (make sure the bags are tied up/closed if possible).
If you do plan to collect a large amount of litter, speak to your local authority ahead of your activity to get advice about what to do with it. Wherever possible though it’s good to try and dispose of it yourself.
And don't forget your before & after photos! We love to see them!
Health & Safety for Eco Cleans
As above, chose your location carefully to avoid risks i.e. not by the side of a motorway
Use thick gloves in case you inadvertently handle a sharp object
Where you come across broken items with a risk of getting cut, report the issue to the local council
Use your common sense on what you can easily clear and what may need specialist clearance
Dress appropriately for the weather!
Happy picking!
Team onHand x