Volunteers across Herefordshire are coming together to clean up their local communities this spring – and you could be one of them
The Great Herefordshire Clean Up is running from 17 March – 2 April 2024, and aims to empower local communities to cut litter, improve public spaces and educate future generations on responsible waste disposal.
Notable events this year include a Hereford Community Clean Up Group litter pick along the Great Western Way in Hereford. The group will be picking litter and removing or reporting fly tipped items from 9.30am on 22 March, working their way from Belmont Road Bridge towards Newton Farm.
There will also be organised litter picks on Ledbury Town Trail, and Ross Town Trail, alongside events organised by Parish Councils.
People can find their local litter picking group on our website and groups can get involved by registering their interest with Balfour Beatty Living Places at communities@balfourbeatty.com
Once registered, groups can collect and sign for the loan of kits and purple waste sacks from the BBLP depot on Thorn Business Park, Hereford. Purple sacks are also available from Herefordshire Council’s Plough Lane offices.
Groups are asked to identify collection points of waste sacks and fly tipped items to BBLP, who will collect in the following days as and when trucks are in the area.
Collection points should be safe places to store rubbish, for example next to existing litter bins, and away from major junctions to allow easy access for the collection vehicles.
The council’s Community Protection Team is also hard at work investigating unlawful waste disposal and fly-tipping cases. If fly tipping is suspected, this can be reported at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/reportingapp/ or by calling 01432 261761.
Groups can also share their success stories by sending pictures to communications@herefordshire.gov.uk
Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “Over £1million is spent on cleaning up litter in Herefordshire each year, and a network of hard working picking groups and individuals contribute to the effort to keep our county clean. The Great Herefordshire Clean Up is a great opportunity for us all to work together and celebrate what can be achieved with teamwork and pride in our local communities.
“I will be attending the litter pick on Great Western Way, and I would encourage those who want our county litter-free and beautiful to get involved. Register your interest in taking part in the Great Herefordshire Clean Up by contacting BBLP, and share your success stories with us by emailing pictures of local people getting stuck in to tackling litter.”