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Litter is an affliction on our society that causes all kinds of problems. It not only ruins the look of many streets or neighbourhoods, but its negative effects go much deeper. Litter causes areas to look uncared for and, even worse, causes locals to feel neglected and unsafe. We wholeheartedly applaud the work many residents are doing, not only by encouraging everyone to wage war on litter, but also by helping residents in less affluent areas of Newham to get together to clean up their neighbourhoods, and so improve their quality of life.
A large number of residents do their bit for the environment, and each other, by litter picking in their own time, combining it with a family day out, a walk for health or even a run! Sadly, not everyone takes responsibility for their rubbish when out and about.
Residents are welcome to litter pick in their area using their own equipment. If you are a resident or a community group and would like to carry out regular litter picks or hold a larger clean-up event, please let us know when you would like to hold the event and we'll provide you with the equipment like litter pickers and bin bags. We’ll arrange collection by our crews from the designated place.
Organising a litter pick?
If you’d like to organise a litter pick, request council litter picking equipment and receive waste collection support, you must complete our litter picking application form at least 2 weeks before your event:
Litter picking application form
Important information:
- We only issue litter picking equipment for a maximum of 20 people. If you would like to run a bigger event, please complete the form above to tell us a bit more about your event - we may still be able to support you.
- It can take up to five working days for an officer to contact you after we have received your request. Requests are only processed Monday to Friday during working hours.
- You will receive a confirmation email from the council to confirm when you will collect or receive the litter picking equipment.
- After your event, to ensure we can collect the bags of waste in a timely manner, you will receive an email from the council which features a link for waste collection details.
Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Guidance
- You are responsible for your own safety during the event. We recommend you carry out a Risk Assessment of the location of your activity prior to your event. We have provided a suggested Risk Assessment.
- We recommend you brief your group on the Health & Safety Guidance before and at the start of your event.
- Stay safe while litter-picking, by following a set of practical guidelines, see Keep Britain Tidy: Clean-up preparation and safety advice.
Terms and Conditions:
- The litter pickers must be returned within 1 working day of the collection.
- The litter pickers are council property and must be taken care of.
- Please confirm you will take care of the equipment and return them on the agreed date and in the same condition.
- We shall not be responsible for any injury, loss, damage, cost or expense caused as a result of participation in the litter pick and we are unable to indemnify participants.
Advice and Tips
- You can carry out a litter pick on your own or with your family, or you can involve local neighbours too. You could promote your event to local groups such as local councillors, schools, community groups, park user groups and faith organisations. Drop in to your local library to receive support from library staff who can help promote your litter picking event.
- If you’re 18+, download Litter Lotto app to win cash prizes for binning rubbish! Simply use the app to take a picture of litter as you place it in a Newham Council public litter bin. Each month a prize draw will see one lucky person in Newham chosen at random to win a cash prize of £100. You could also be put into a further cash prize draw, where you could win the weekly LitterLotto UK £1000 jackpot! Find out more about Litter Lotto.
- Enjoy your litter picking event! Remember to make it fun, not too long, and sociable.
- Report any issues to us – Use the Love Newham app to report any issues directly to us. Search and download ‘Love Clean Streets’ in the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Let us know how you get on! Take lots of photos, and count the bags. Post your photos and videos from your event on social media. Please tag @NewhamLondon (X, Instagram) @NewhamCouncil (Facebook) and use the hashtag #LetsLoveNewham. We’ll share your photos and feedback on our Social Media accounts to let others know about your fantastic efforts in taking care of your local environment.
