If you’d like to set up a new group, we suggest you go through 10 easy steps:
1. Think what local area your new group should cover. Then come up with a name for the group. If you’re not sure what to call it, have a look though the directory of volunteer groups and see if inspiration strikes you!
2. Register your group here on litteraction.org.uk so other members can join easily.
3. Write a press release about you and your plans for the group. There is a sample press release in the 'press releases' section of the information centre. It doesn't have to be long, focus on your hopes and ambitions for the group and have a simple ask. An eyecatching headline will also help get the attention of journalists.
4. Ensure to include in the press release the address of your web page on litteraction.org.uk and ask people to go there to register their interest. Make sure you include your contact details on the press release.
5. Phone your local paper and find out which reporter covers your local area. Speak to them if you can, otherwise email them your press release (with a photo if possible).
6. Contact your local council. If you’re not sure who it is, look at who sends you your council tax bill. Find out who the liaison person is for volunteer litter groups. Tell this person what you are doing and ask what help they can give you. Ideas include: loan of litter-pickers, high visibility vests or gloves, refuse sacks, help with insuring your group and perhaps even some funding.
7. Think about drawing up a short constitution for your group. This is good practice anyway as it ensures that everyone is clear about what the group is for and how it should work. Also a constitution is often required if you are going to apply for funding for equipment and running costs. If you decide against a constitution, don't get too worried - it is often the case that groups have a strong relationship with their local council who can support litter picking activity. LitterAction can also supply your group with limited resources.
8. When you have recruited one or two members (it doesn’t need to be many), have a meeting and agree how the group will be run and where you are going to do your first litter pick. You could, at this stage, send another press release to your local paper saying when and where the litter pick will be and asking people to come and join you. Don’t forget to update your page on litteraction.org.uk to show when and where the litter pick will take place.
9. Make sure that, when you are out on the litter pick, it is clear to passers-by what your group is. You can hand out leaflets telling people about your group and wear high-visibility vests with your group’s name on them. This way, you will get people to take notice of what you are doing and more will join your group. Also, take photos of your litter pick.
10. After the pick, send a report (with photos) to your local paper again ensuring you include your litteraction.org.uk webpage address. Post photos and, if you wish, a short account of the litter pick on your litteraction.org.uk webpage. Don't forget to tell us how many bags you have picked up. Then, repeat steps eight to 10!
Start a group now
The aim of litteraction.org.uk is to encourage as many people as possible to take some form of action to help keep their community clear of litter.
Three ways you can get involved:
1. Register as an individual litterpicker
Many people collect litter in their neighbourhood on their own. There is no need to join or form a group if you don’t want to, or if the litter problem in your neighbourhood isn’t bad enough to justify forming one. However, we would still encourage you to register at litteraction.org.uk so that other people in your community - who might be interested in helping you - know what you are doing.
By registering on this website we can support you by sending you resources you might need, such as high visibility vests, cleanup sacks and even posters to put up in your local shop, pub or school. We think it is important to tell us how much you are picking up because it gives us a better ideas of the contribution volunteers are making to help clear the UK of litter and also a better idea of just how much litter is out there.
2. Join or create a local group
Joining a group
Find out if there’s a group near you already in existence. Just type in your home postcode in the box on the home page to see the groups nearest to you. Or click here to see a list of all the groups in the UK. You can join a group by clicking on the 'join this group' link on the group page you have chosen. For more information on how to join a group - see the 'help' section (found on the green toolbar) of the website.
Starting a new group
If your postcode search doesn’t show that there is a group near you, why not start a new one? It's really not as daunting as it may sound. Infact, its hugely rewarding and could have a lasting impact on your local area and community. We’ve got all the resources and tips on LitterAction to help you.
Before you create your group, it is worth reading our guidance on 'creating a group' in the 'help' section of the website. This is found along the green toolbar. Once you have read this you can create a group by clicking here and following the instructions.
3. Use LitterAction to lobby your authority, MP or share best practice on our forum.
We understand that it is not everyone's desire to sort out litter problems by just being constantly reactive to the thoughtless nature of other people. Many people feel that local and central Government should be more pro-active in tackling these issues. That is why LitterAction provides visitors with the option to email local authorities and MP's directly - so you can raise these issues and also highlight local problems that need tackling. You can email the relevant department of your council from the LitterAction homepage.
We also encourage visitors to use our forum on LitterAction. It is useful for sharing best practice, tips and success with other website users. If you have some advice, a tip or an opinion that you think may be of interest to other volunteer groups, please share it.
If you would like to help in other ways to campaign against litter, see CPRE’s Stop the Drop Campaign