Volunteering in our green spaces

We can provide litter picks, gloves and rubbish bags for your litter pick. We can collect the bagged rubbish you pick up.

Please contact waste.services@pendle.gov.uk to arrange this

If you would like to volunteer you can find out more on our volunteer opportunities page.

Litter picking safety guidelines 

• Wash your hands before and after picking litter. Wear gloves.
• Tell someone where you are going and keep your mobile phone on you.
• Always avoid direct contact with litter (use your litter picker, not your hands!).
• Only pick in daylight hours and when you can easily see what you’re doing.
• If you don’t know what it is, don’t pick it up. It isn’t worth the risk.
• Don’t try to move or touch dead or live animals. You can report animals in distress to the RSPCA. Report dead animals that need to be removed to us.
• Use a litter picker for any glass and metal items.
• Don’t touch or move any needles or drug-related items. Report them to us.
• Clean your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking.
• Don’t use your hands to squash or flatten down rubbish and be careful around bushes and brambles.
• Avoid contact with the body when carrying plastic bin bags.
• Ensure any cuts or scrapes are clean and covered with a waterproof plaster before you start.
• Be aware of the risk of ticks and insects in long grass or bushes.
• Wear strong shoes and clothing fit for the weather.
• Never turn your back on oncoming traffic.
• Don’t try to pick litter from the road.
• Avoid areas close to rivers and steep slopes, drops and ditches where you could easily fall.
• Don’t overfill bin bags and avoid lifting heavy objects or sacks alone. Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting.
• Follow local rules and park safely and lawfully.
• Do not confront anyone you see littering.