Litter image

Salford residents are being encouraged to join the Great British Spring Clean to combat litter and improve the local environment.

The Great British Spring Clean is part of a national campaign organised by Keep Britain Tidy, running from March 21 to April 6. Individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups are invited to unite in the fight against litter.

A series of free litter-picking events will take place across Salford, offering multiple opportunities for residents to get involved. Those unable to attend specific events can still contribute by using one of the Litter Picking Lockers located in selected parks, making it easy for anyone to take action.

Litter picking locker- Salford City Council
Litter picking locker [Source: Salford City Council]
Residents can get involved by:

– Joining an organised litter pick in their area.
– Undertaking a solo clean-up by borrowing equipment from our Litter Picking Lockers in selected parks.
– Encouraging others to participate by sharing their efforts on social media using #SalfordCleanUp.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council, said: “Litter harms our environment, wildlife, and communities. That’s why we are committed to improving waste management, supporting volunteers and working towards a cleaner, greener Salford for all.

“Initiatives like the Great British Spring Clean are so important in raising awareness and encouraging action through a combination of education, community involvement and enforcement. By working together, we can make a lasting impact that will help keep Salford’s streets, parks, and green spaces cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone.”

The campaign has helped address key challenges such as high footfall areas, takeaway waste, and poor waste disposal habits, often contributing to litter hotspots.

“Volunteers are crucial to these efforts,” Coun Bentham added. “Their contributions help protect wildlife, enhance the environment, and make local spaces more enjoyable.”

Natalie Rossiter, a volunteer for Salford Rangers, said: “Seeing litter everywhere makes the place look uncared for, which can affect your self esteem if it’s somewhere you live or visit regularly. It’s frustrating as existing litter seems to encourage people to add to the problem. It’s awful to think of the effect of plants, animals and biodiversity.”

Previous events have seen hundreds of bags of litter collected, improving the appearance and safety of public spaces. Many volunteers continue to pick litter beyond the campaign period, ensuring long-lasting benefits.

To sign up or request litter-picking equipment to clean up Salford, click here

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