Record-breaking year for Walsall’s volunteer litter heroes as community effort reaches new heights
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Walsall volunteer litter pickers have delivered their most successful year yet, with record participation, record collections, and national recognition for outstanding community engagement.
Throughout 2025, volunteers across Walsall collected an extraordinary 20,780 bags of litter, far surpassing last year’s total of 13,854. This was achieved through an incredible 10,837volunteer hours, reflecting a continued rise in community pride.
The Great British Spring Clean 2025 marked the borough’s biggest-ever turnout. Across more than two weeks of action, 1,750 bags were collected by 540 volunteers across nearly 1,000 volunteer hours.
Volunteer numbers continue to grow steadily, with 305 new sign-ups this year alone, averaging around 25 new volunteers each month.
Corporate volunteering has also strengthened, with 12 businesses joining clean-up efforts and collectively removing 438 bags of waste from public spaces.
2025 also saw the relaunch of the Walsall Wombles, an initiative bringing together local volunteer groups, strengthening collaboration, and increasing community visibility.
The borough’s success has now been recognised nationally, with Walsall shortlisted for the Keep Britain Tidy Volunteer Engagement Award 2026, celebrating the outstanding work of residents who give their time to keep neighbourhoods cleaner and safer.
“ Our volunteers continue to set the standard for what community action can achieve. These figures are a testament to their dedication, passion, and the pride they have in Walsall.
“Whether it’s individuals, school groups or businesses, our volunteer network is growing stronger every year, and the impact they’re making can be seen across every part of the borough. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do.
“We truly value all of our volunteers and will be holding a celebration event on January 15 to thank them for all the work they do to keep the place we call home clean. “
Information on how to volunteer, groups to get involved with and how to request equipment can all be found at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/volunteering/community-litter-picking
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