Q&A by Xantha Leatham
What is the Great British September Clean?
The Great British September Clean is, in fact, the postponed Great British Spring Clean, which had to be mothballed in March when the country went into lockdown.
How can I get involved?
Anyone who wants to take part can do so by registering via the Keep Britain Tidy website at keepbritaintidy.org
When is it taking place?
The campaign will run from September 11 to 27 but you can pledge to start now if you want.
What can I do?
You can pledge to litter-pick either by yourself or with those you live with. Whether you do five minutes or five hours, every individual can make a difference.
You can also organise a small clean-up for you and up to five other people and register it on the website.
You will be able to access resources, including a detailed ‘how to’ guide that will explain how to do a clean-up safely and what to do with the rubbish you collect.
Is it safe to do a litter-pick currently?
Yes, but you must be careful. If you are going to pick up litter, you must be wearing gloves – not PPE-type gloves but more substantial, gardening-type gloves – and use a litter-picker.
Do not touch the litter you collect and make a special effort not to touch your face while litter-picking.
If you are litter-picking alone and have only a small amount of rubbish, just pop that in your own household bin.
You could separate out plastic bottles and aluminium cans into your recycling bin but, again, use your litter-picker.
If you find you have too much rubbish, you will be able to find details of contacts at your local council – if they are involved with the campaign – on the Keep Britain Tidy website. They will tell you where to leave the rubbish you’ve picked up for collection.
How should I do a litter-pick with people I don’t live with?
You should not litter-pick with more than five other people, in line with the latest Government guidelines at time of going to press, and you must observe social distancing — a good guide is to stay a litter-picker length away from each other.
All the health and safety information you need is available on the Keep Britain Tidy website at keepbritaintidy.org when you register. Everyone taking part must be wearing gardening-type gloves and must use a litter-picker and wash their hands – and the equipment – thoroughly afterwards.
Contact your council beforehand to tell them what you’re doing and where, and to arrange for the rubbish you pick up to be collected.
You will find details for councils who are supporting the campaign on the website.
If you live in Wales or Scotland, please follow the appropriate guidance.
How can I get equipment?
All you need to start litter-picking is some gardening-type gloves, a litter-picker and a rubbish bag. A lot of local authorities are supporting the Great British September Clean and their details are on the website when you register. They may be able to lend you equipment.
If you just want to do something yourself, you can also get affordable litter-pickers from various online retailers.
Are there any clean-up events I can go to?
No, with the restrictions currently in place, there will not be any public events that individuals can join, so if you want to ‘do your bit’ please pledge via the website, then you can be part of the pick and stay safe as well.
Or you could simply organise something with your friends and neighbours and register on the website.
Will there still be a Great Big School Clean?
No, but schools who want to and are able to take part in the Great British September Clean will be able to do so. They can register via the Keep Britain Tidy website, keepbritaintidy.org