on Mindless Littering

Building a volunteer network to crack down on mindless littering

During the last two years we have all changed the way we live our lives as a result of the pandemic and of high-profile news coverage of the Climate Emergency. More people than ever are out walking, visiting parks, and enjoying green spaces but unfortunately noticing litter, spoiling those beautiful areas, as they do so.

While the District Council is doing all it can to ensure that our district is kept beautiful, working tirelessly cleaning up litter and mess and fining those who make it, we can all have a part to play in the fight against the mindless littering of our lovely district.

We are all aware of the Climate emergency facing the world at the moment. The District Council is committed to ensuring that Newark is cleaner, safer, and greener and in taking that one step further and building a network of volunteers, to work alongside them, is hoping to deliver their ambitious greening agenda and reduce the litter in our district.

In the upcoming month the District Council are launching a MyAccount platform. This platform will allow residents to create an account to access District Council services that are relevant to them. Once set up with an account residents will be able to organise local community litter picking activities. The District Council will then arrange the delivery of litter-pickers, high-vis vests, litter hoops and bags, as well as agreeing the location for the collection of waste.

This will enable the District Council to develop their volunteer network to map and understand what parts of the district are benefiting from community involvement such as this, but crucially it will help them to understand what parts are not so that they can focus on building community activity in those areas.

The District Council will look to purchase 400 litter pickers, hoops, bags, and high vis vests, which will be available to those volunteering via the MyAccount app.

Earlier this year, the District Council launched its Green Rewards app which rewards you for small changes you make in a bid to becoming greener. This could be walking instead of taking the car or taking part in a litter pick. Further, the District Council hopes to recognise individuals and groups who have made a difference in their communities through some form of annual award and recognition.

If you want to find out more about Newark and Sherwood’s Green Rewards scheme visit here: newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/your-home/waste-and-recycling/recycling/green-rewards-app/ To report littering online visit https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/streetcleaning/ If you wish to arrange a community litter pick prior to the launch of MyAccount please email customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk