In March and April, we supported the Great British Spring Clean campaign, which succeeded in becoming one of the most successful Dacorum community action events this year.
Volunteers from around the borough helped clear more than 400 bags of litter,
almost half of which were recyclable litter. A large number of fly tips around local streets and parks were also reported and cleared.
The annual event saw a combined effort from 324 volunteers, made up of individuals, families, schools,
scout groups, businesses and local charities. Some had participated in previous Spring Cleans while others experienced their first litter pick.
This year, Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the national Great British
Spring Clean campaign, emphasised the positive impact that collecting just one bag of litter can make to our local environment by encouraging everyone to take on the Big Bag Challenge.
Councillor Graham Barrett, Portfolio Holder
for Environmental Services, said: “The Great British Spring clean is a fantastic national campaign and I am delighted that so many Dacorum residents took part. The amount of litter collected was incredible, and that so much
of it was recyclable is a bonus. On behalf of all our residents, my thanks to all those who took part.”
The most common items of litter found were bottles and cans, crisp packets, cigarette butts and facemasks. Preventing litter
starts with making sure rubbish is always placed in a street bin. If there are no street bins nearby or the bins are full, rubbish should be taken home where it can be disposed of or recycled properly. Following this advice can help protect others
in the community as well as the environment.
The Great British Spring Clean may be the most popular time for litter picking, but you can give your support all year round. We loan litter-picking sticks out and provide refuse and recycling bags for community litter-picking events at any time
of year. For individuals interested in litter picking more regularly, you may be interested in signing up to our Street Champions scheme. Learn more by visiting our Community litter picks page.
