Date issued: 25 August 2020
Running from 11-27 September, the Great British September Clean is being organised nationally by Keep Britain Tidy and supported locally by Colchester Borough Council. The event is being organised after the annual Great British Spring Clean was postponed due to Covid-19, and is a great way for individuals or private groups to help clean up their local area.
As the pandemic continues, it’s important everyone taking part stays safe and follows the latest Government guidance*. There are two ways residents can get involved:
1. Organise a private group clean-up with up to five family and friends.
2. Pledge to do their own individual clean-up, giving as little as 15 minutes to the campaign.
The campaign will not only see tonnes of litter being removed from the environment on our doorstep, it also aims to salvage thousands of plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans that are simply thrown on the ground but could very easily be recycled.
Using the ‘three bags full’ approach, volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into three bags: one for plastic bottles, one for aluminium cans and a third for the rest of the rubbish.
Colchester Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services team will then collect these bags to ensure that they are recycled appropriately. They can also support your litter pick by providing you with bags, hi-vis jackets and loan you litter pickers, including extra-long ones for those tricky spots, smaller ones for children and ones specifically designed for use on beaches.
Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “Like many people, I simply cannot understand why people drop litter in the first place. Unfortunately, like many other places, we have seen an increase in littering in the borough since lockdown, and more recently this has included a number of disposable face masks being littered.
“One thing we do know, though, is that litter usually attracts more litter – so the sooner it is cleared up, the better. The council cannot be everywhere, so it is vital that we work in partnership with local groups, parish councils, schools and businesses to keep our borough clean.”
Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, added: “I encourage all residents to take part and enjoy the day – it’s such a great way to teach young family members about caring for the environment, too.
“Residents who would like to make a regular difference to their local area can also sign up to become Litter Warriors and pledge as little as 15 minutes a week or more to keep their community clean and free from litter. Together we can make a difference and clean up the environment on our doorstep for a Better Colchester.”
To find out more or to register your ‘clean up’ head to Keep Britain Tidy’s website www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean Those that would like bags delivered and collected by our Neighbourhood Services team, or borrow litter pickers or hi-vis jackets will need to contact communities@colchester.gov.uk.
Find out more about Litter Warriors at www.colchester.gov.uk/litterwarriors
*Government guidance on the current restrictions may change, so please follow the latest guidance when taking part.
Page last reviewed: 25 August 2020