Become a volunteer litter picker
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Sign up
Show contentYou only need to sign the volunteer agreement once, then you're free to litter pick or attend group sessions whenever you like.
You can sign up online. Our form includes an equipment request. Litter picking equipment is free to borrow.
If you don't want to fill in the online form, you can download our information pack instead. Print and fill in the forms, then send them back us by email or post.
You'll need to:
- sign the disclaimer on page 11
- fill in your litter picking equipment request on page 12
Download list
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Litter picking volunteer information packDownload PDF (658.17 KB)
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Do a risk assessment
Show contentYou should understand the risks of litter picking, and know what to do if you find something hazardous. This is called a risk assessment.
A risk assessment is not mandatory, but we do encourage it.
Group organisers
If you're the organiser of a group event, you should also:
- take responsibility for completing the risk assessment.
- take attendance of the volunteers that have attended your litterpick
- sign up any new volunteers
- give a health and safety talk using the risk assessment as support
Download list
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Risk assessmentDownload PDF (175.22 KB)
Guidance for completing your risk assessment
The table below explains the most common risks, and what you can do to control them.
Hazard
Risk
Control
Action
Broken glass, sharp/rusty edges
Cuts and infections
Use litter pick to pick up sharp litter
Up to date tetanus
Seek medical or first aid attention if needed
Needles
Cuts and infections
Leave and contact us for removal
Seek medical attention if needed
Heavy/awkward rubbish
Pulled or strained muscles
Take care when lifting – use good lifting practises and share the load
If an item or bag is too heavy leave it and report it to us
Stop if feeling discomfort
Seek medical attention if persists
Batteries, asbestos and miscellaneous chemicals
Potentially dangerous depending on condition
Do not approach or remove any potentially hazardous waste
Seek medical attention if exposed. Take note of any labels
Ground condition
Sprains, muscle damage and broken bones
Avoid dangerous areas and choose safest route
Wear sensible footwear
Seek medical or first aid attention if needed
Highways, cars, and motorbikes
Collision with vehicles
Avoid proximity to cars and roads
Be aware and look out
Do not litter pick on roads with more than 40mph speed limits
Seek medical attention if needed
Lone working
Physical or verbal assault
Be aware of aggressive individuals
Do not get involved in a conflict
Have a phone and let someone know where you are
Seek medical attention if needed
Animals – domestic and wild
Lymes disease
Beware of animals
Avoid contact with animals and faeces
Seek medical attention if bit or scratched
Weather
Stop work in adverse weather
Dress appropriately for conditions
Seek medical attention if needed
Dog faeces
Toxocara canis
Do not touch dog faeces
Always wear gloves
Seek medical attention if needed
Steep slopes
Sprains, muscle damage and broken bones
Stay away from these areas
Avoid litter picking on steep slopes
Seek medical attention if needed
Electric fences
Electrocution
Always assume the fence is live
Do not touch the electric fence
Seek medical attention if needed
Water, marshes and bogs
Hypothermia drowning
Avoid banks especially if it appears to be unstable and work in pairs
Be aware of surroundings
Non swimmers must not be near the water
Seek medical attention if needed
Hedges, fences, walls and ditches
Falls, cuts and sprains
Take care when climbing stiles, particularly in wet weather
Avoid climbing walls or fences
Seek medical attention if needed
Tools and equipment
Volunteers will be shown how to use the equipment appropriately
Use appropriate protection
Have a first aider and first aid kit
Seek medical attention if needed
Trees and shrubs
Trips, cuts and eye pokes
Be aware of hazards and risks
Be aware of branches and roots
Seek medical attention if needed
Irritants and dangerous plants
Poisoning, skin irritation and allergic reactions
Wear gloves
Be aware of dangerous plants and possible reactions
Wash hands thoroughly
Seek medical attention for any unusual symptoms
Weapons
Cuts and infections
If you find a weapon please secure it safely and hand it in to the closest police station
Seek medical attention if needed
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Go out litter picking
Show contentOnce you've got your kit, you're ready to go out litter picking.
Join a group
Visit Walsall Community Litter Watch on Facebook to find up-to-date details of when and where litter picks are taking place.
We advertise group picks, share stories and photos, and support one another.
Be an independent litter picker
If you'd rather not join a group but still want to make a difference to your community, you could adopt your street. Just pop out and litter pick your own road, and we'll collect any rubbish.
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Tell us where you've left your litter
Show contentWe will dispose of the rubbish that you have collected.
Wherever possible:
- leave your bags by a Walsall Council street bin, and they will be collected every other week day, or
- leave your bags somewhere that doesn't block the path (if there's no bin nearby), and fill in our street cleaning report form to let us know the location and number of bags.
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Tell us how it went
Show contentPlease let us know if you have litter picked around your area. We want to know how many bags you collected and how many people took part.
We will be able to use this data to show the positive impact volunteers have on our neighbourhoods.
You can let us know by posting on Walsall Community Litter Watch on Facebook, or by emailing us.
