Individual and group volunteers can be exposed to several hazards. This guide should help you identify them and help you make it safe and enjoyable.
The level of risk will vary at different locations. Before starting a litter pick, we recommend taking a visual site inspection and risk assessment to establish the risks and to identify and note other possible hazards.
Volunteers have a duty to themselves, fellow volunteers and the public to work safely.
Protective clothing including gloves, suitable footwear and high visibility vests should always be worn.
Noxious and dangerous materials
- drug related litter and hypodermics should not be moved - note the location and report to us
- do not place broken glass in the bags, the glass can cut through the plastic and catch your legs
- vapes cartridges can be placed in a clear bag to keep them separate from the rest of the litter so they can be disposed of safely
- any item or items that you suspect is a fly tip should not be removed - note the location and report to us for investigation and safe removal
- if there is any doubt about an item leave it and let us know
- small nitrous oxide canisters are not considered a risk and should be put in your rubbish bag
General site safety and inspection
- litter picking by roadsides should always be carried out with extreme caution
- litter picking should be restricted to wide verges or pavements, suitable for pedestrians and should be carried out facing oncoming traffic
- avoid reaching into hedges or undergrowth - leave any item of litter that cannot be reached safely
- avoid working close to rivers or on steep slopes
- be mindful of wildlife and avoid disturbing animals and birds that may be nesting in the summertime and be wary of bee and wasp nests
- do not enter an area where a restriction applies, for example road works
- Giant Hogweed should always be avoided - do not attempt to litter pick near this weed
Lifting and handling materials
- never attempt to lift a heavy object and if in doubt, leave it there and contact us
- use litter pickers to prevent constant bending and stretching
- check if item is safe to handle with no sharp objects or noxious contents
- only try to move an item if it can be done without straining
- bend legs and keep your back straight when lifting an item
Recycling
It is not easy to hold different bags for different materials while out picking. We recommend keeping it simple, put all waste into our distinctive red bags. If you wish to separate recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, cans, paper and card, we can provide you with green bags to use alongside your red ones. Glass bottles need to be taken to the nearest bottle bank.
Further guidance
Dress appropriately depending on the weather. If it is sunny and hot, wear a cap and long sleeve shirt and apply sun cream.
Take a bottle of water to avoid dehydration.