Volunteers set to litter pick throughout April as part of Renfrewshire’s Big Spring Clean

Thousands of dedicated volunteers are expected to head out on litter picks this April as they support Renfrewshire’s Big Spring Clean, part of the Team Up to Clean Up campaign.

The annual event was postponed last year due to the pandemic with Renfrewshire supporting Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Summer Clean instead, but the popular event is back for 2022.

Previous events have seen thousands take part in litter picks across the month of action, with the campaign’s sister event Spotless September seeing almost 1,500 people take part in 430 litter picks last year – more than 14 every day.

Senior Community Safety Officer Emma McCrystal helps coordinate the volunteering during the Big Spring Clean and is looking forward to another eventful April.

Emma said: “Even though it’s one of the busiest times of the year, I always look forward to the Big Spring Clean as it’s so inspiring to see so many local people who want to make a difference in their community.

“We work hard to provide them with the equipment they need, and I liaise with our fantastic StreetScene team who go and collect their bags of litter after their picks, while our Wardens also support the volunteers by delivering the equipment and providing safety information.

“It really is fantastic to see the number of volunteers who head out throughout the month as it shows the real sense of community that has been built up and with every litter pick, our environment is improving.

“Our schools are always great supporters and I’m looking forward to getting back out to see our pupils this year with the aim of ensuring the next generation recognise how important it is not to litter and to keep our streets and our environment clean.”

To request equipment, call 0300 300 1375, email wardens.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk, join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/teamuptocleanup or visit the Council website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/BigSpringClean2022.