Litter picking in a public area will always involve a level of risk to the individuals involved and possibly members of the general public.
The level of risk will vary at each location, so prior to commencing a litter pick, it is recommended that a visual site inspection, risk assessment and checklist is completed to establish the risks and to identify and note the possible hazards.
Volunteers have a duty towards themselves, fellow volunteers and the public to work safely.
If there is any doubt about the safety of a site or material, then it should be avoided.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
It is recommended that the following items should be used at all times by volunteers
undertaking litter picks:
- Gloves – to minimise physical contact with dangerous materials
- Reflective hi-visibility waistcoats - to clearly highlight volunteers to the public and road users.
- Litter pickers - to avoid direct contact with litter and repetitive bending.
- Sturdy boots or shoes – to reduce likelihood of slips/falls and severity of any resulting injury.
- Trousers/long sleeve top – to minimise the likelihood of scraps, abrasions, stings and bites to the skin.
- Mobile phones – should be carried to contact the emergency services (if required).
The Council, subject to availability, can provide litter picking equipment.
Location
Only litter collected from Rochford District Council owned/managed land or Essex County Council adopted highway will be picked up by our waste disposal team.
When applying for a community litter pick event you will need to provide details of where you will be litter picking so the Council can check landownership details.
Road Safety
All volunteers are expected to understand and follow the Highway Code correctly. Litter picking of areas beside roads should be carried out with extreme caution, due to the risk of being struck by traffic. A pre-site inspection should determine an agreed safe working area. Work only from footpaths or verges wide enough to provide sufficient, safe distance from traffic. Always face oncoming traffic when litter picking. Only litter pick in daylight hours with clear visibility.
Do not work on the roadside if the speed limit is above 30mph . Never litter pick on the highway or in the road.
General Site Safety
Prior to undertaking any litter-picking activity, it is strongly advised that a visual site inspection and risk assessment be conducted. This process is essential to identify existing risks and to note any potential hazards. Volunteers are expected to exercise a duty of care towards themselves, their fellow participants, and members of the public, and must adhere to best practices for safe working. In instances where the safety of a location or item cannot be confidently ascertained, it should be avoided. A dynamic, real-time assessment should also be utilised to address any new or evolving risks encountered throughout the duration of the task.
Avoid reaching into vegetation that may expose the face, eyes and skin to scratches from thorns or branches.
Avoid working close to rivers and ditches or on steep slopes, as there is an increased risk of slips and falls.
If an item of litter cannot be safely reached with a litter picker, leave it, do not strain yourself by leaning into areas to gather litter.
Be aware of wildlife. Avoid disturbing animals and birds that may be nesting over the spring and summer months. Also be wary of wasp and bee nests, which can be found in trees or on the ground.
Do not enter an area, or attempt to litter pick an area, where works are restricted (for example road works) or where the public do not have a right to enter (private land).
Dangerous Materials
The following materials may be encountered during litter picks and should be
treated with caution:
- Broken glass – These should not be touched. Contact the Council for removal.
- Drug related litter/hypodermics – These should not be touched. Contact the Council for removal.
- Suspect materials and fly tipping – Items that are possibly dangerous such as unknown liquids in containers, asbestos, or fly tipping should not be touched. Contact the Council for removal.
If there is any doubt about an item, leave it, and let the Council know. Contact Customer Services on 01702 546366 or Report It on our website.
Lifting and Handling Materials
Volunteers are advised that handling bags of collected litter and attempting to lift or carry heavy materials may pose a risk of physical injury. To avoid injury, the following basic principles of manual handling should be applied:
- Use litter pickers to prevent constant bending and stretching.
- Make sure an item is safe to handle with no sharp edges or hazardous contents.
- Only try to move an item if this can be done so without straining.
- When lifting an item, bend the legs and keep the back straight.
Volunteer Litter Pickers are expected to wear protective gloves at all times whilst collecting litter, however it is always recommended to check your tetanus protection is up to date.
Collection and disposal of litter
Collected litter should be placed in the Council’s designated volunteer bin bags, which can be collected from Mill Hall, Rayleigh. These coloured bags can be left beside any street or open space bin. The volunteer should ensure that the placement of the bin bag does not prevent any access issues.
Community litter pick events, where there will be larger quantities of collected litter, will be required to designate a collection point nearby to an open space entrance for easy collection, providing a what3words location on their event form.
Weather
Litter picking is an outdoor event, and so volunteers should dress appropriately, and take the correct precautions.
On summer days, suncream should be regularly applied and a hat should be considered to protect against sunburn. Bottled water is also advisable to guard against dehydration.
In winter, when weather is more likely to be wet or windy, volunteers should wear clothing that will keep them warm and dry.
It should also be noted that poor visibility conditions resulting from time of day or weather conditions may significantly increase the risks associated with litter picking. If visibility is reduced, then litter picking should be postponed until conditions improve.
Safeguarding
The Council require all volunteers and event organiser’s to comply with the Council’s Safeguarding Policy and, where relevant, have their own policy, procedures and training in place.
A responsible adult should always supervise volunteers under the age of 18 and those with care and support needs. Permission for their participation should be gained from a parent or guardian. In the interest of safeguarding, responsible adults will be required to provide an in-date enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate.
Insurance
Volunteer litter pickers are not working for, or on behalf of Rochford District Council, and therefore are not covered by the Council's insurance. Obtaining public liability insurance is very important and strongly recommended, as it will provide cover for accidental damage or injury that may occur during litter picking sessions, including damage or injury to a member of the public or their property.
Community litter picking event organisers are required to hold a current policy of Insurance in respect of Public Liability or Third Party Risks (including product liability where appropriate). This is not to be confused with employer’s liability or another type of liability insurance, which are unacceptable. The relevant limit of indemnity shall be an amount approved by the Authorities Risk and Insurance Section and Legal Section & under no circumstances shall this be less than Ten Million Pounds and the Council reserves the right to require a higher limit if deemed necessary. Please note the Council has an obligation to protect itself and therefore anyone wanting to hold any activity on Council Land (no matter how small) MUST have a current insurance policy. No exceptions can be made and your application will not be given approval unless you have insurance.
Disclaimer
Volunteers should not participate in litter picks unless they understand and accept that participation is entirely at their own risk. Volunteers are not working for, or on behalf of Rochford District Council and therefore the Council cannot be held liable for any loss, damage or injury caused as a result of the actions and omissions of volunteers.
In the interest of safeguarding, responsible adults tasked with supervising or working with children or volunteers with care and support needs will be required to provide an in-date enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate. The Council will also require you to evidence and follow a safeguarding policy. If you do not have a policy, you will be able to adopt the Council’s Safeguarding Policy.
By registering as a Voluntary Litter Picker, you agree to use the items loaned to you with consideration and care. People who repeatedly break or damage equipment will not be permitted to borrow equipment in future.
Key contacts:
Email: customerservices@rochford.gov.uk or Report It
Phone: 01702 546366
RSPCA 24-hour line: 0300 1234 999
RSPCA website