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Voluntary litter picking

Groups arranging litter picks within North Ayrshire can request litter pickers and bags from North Ayrshire Council.

Request litter pickers and bags

Collecting litter picking bags

Please note: We don't collect bags or litter picked from private land.

When you have completed a group litter pick let us know:

  • the date and time of your litter pick
  • how many bags are ready to collected
  • details of any other items that you have left beside the bags
  • the location of the bags

Litter picking bags for collection

Adopt-a-Spot initiative

Our Adopt-a-Spot initiative is a voluntary litter picking scheme. It aims to enable and empower our communities to work with us to tackle litter issues in an area of your choosing.

Work already carried out by volunteer litter pickers is valued greatly by the council.

The scheme, while open to individuals, is primarily aimed at new or existing groups (eg friends, businesses, neighbours, schools). It offers the opportunity to develop a coordinated approach to litter picking, along with assistance and input from Streetscene Officers.

How it works

The chosen spot would be in a mutually agreeable area of open space within council ownership. Suitable spots could be:

  • streets
  • parks
  • beaches
  • paths
  • frontage of a business (especially hot food takeaway businesses)
  • routes to local schools

Benefits of Adopt-a-Spot

This approach offers volunteers help and guidance by establishing a relationship with a Streetscene Officer, who can:

  • arrange the supply of litter picking equipment (including additional equipment when required)
  • facilitate the most suitable method for disposal of items
  • provide guidance on safety aspects of litter picking
  • respond to volunteer requests and queries regarding litter issues
  • assist with promoting the work carried out by the volunteers

Get involved

Volunteer for Adopt-a-Spot

Once the application form has been received, a Streetscene Officer will contact you to:

  • confirm your litter picking equipment requirements
  • establish what level of input you would like from the Council Officer
  • answer any questions your group may have

An indemnity form will be provided for completion.

Other volunteering activities 

We have volunteering opportunities for:

  • gardening
  • landscaping
  • bench painting
  • fence painting
  • planting bulbs and seeds to create wildflower meadows
  • carrying out training or mentoring activities

Ask about volunteering

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