National army of litter-pickers pledged to pick 425,626 bags of rubbish from nation's streets

 

Keep Britain Tidy, which is marking its 70th anniversary this year, today thanked the national army of litter-pickers who pledged to collect a colossal amount of rubbish in just two and a half weeks. 

 

This year’s Great British Spring Clean campaign has been hailed a huge success after individuals, community groups, businesses, local authorities and schools joined forces to protect the environment - and local wildlife - from litter by pledging to pick 425,626 bags nationally. 

 

More than 309,000 volunteers in every corner of the country took part in the national effort to remove bags of rubbish from our streets, parks and beaches. 

 

Keep Britain Tidy was born after a resolution passed in 1954 by the Women's Institute, chaired by the late Lady Elizabeth Brunner, inaugurating a campaign "to preserve against desecration by litter of all kinds".   

 

It remains the leading organisation in the country campaigning against litter. 

 

The charity had encouraged people across the country to make a #PlatinumPledge for its anniversary to pick up as much litter as they could. 

 

Some volunteers responded by picking 70 items and even 70 bags to mark the occasion! 

 

At the same time, thousands of pupils in schools across the country took part in the Great Big School Clean, learning about the impact litter has on our wildlife and seeing for themselves that small actions, when taken together, can make a big difference. 

 

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Thanks to the determination of our founders in 1954 – and all our volunteers and supporters since then - we’re celebrating seven decades of taking action for the environment.  

 

“Our work to protect the environment has never been more vital. 

 

“These impressive figures demonstrate to everyone how small, individual actions can, collectively, make a huge difference and everyone who got involved should feel very proud of this incredible achievement. We can now demonstrate the scale of the country’s litter pollution problem to those with the power to effect change. 

 

“We’re truly humbled by the commitment and effort shown by staff, supporters and volunteers in communities, schools, voluntary organisations, businesses and local authorities.” 

 

Around 95% of people surveyed after 2023's campaign agreed they felt they had made a difference to their local area, and 91% said they felt part of a national movement that is taking action to tackle litter. 

 

Sean Latus, CEO of Calisen, which owns, installs and manages essential energy infrastructure assets that offer smarter energy for all, said: “All of our workforce at Calisen – many of whom joined in with the national effort to remove rubbish from our streets and parks – are inspired to see the difference that has been made and are proud to support the Great British Spring Clean.” 

 

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “To collect more than 425,000 bags of litter across the country is a fantastic achievement.   

 

“The commitment and enthusiasm on display from the #LitterHeroes involved shows just how much people care about cleaning up their community. And I’m delighted that the £4.7 million in funding raised by our players is helping them and so many others take care of their local area.” 

 

This year’s campaign was made possible thanks to media partner Clear Channel, headline partner Calisen and supporting partners Coca-Cola, KFC, Mars Wrigley, McDonald’s, Nestlé, Pepsi MAX and Walkers. We also thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery for raising funds to support this campaign.