Litter Picking

Litter isn’t just unsightly — it harms wildlife, pollutes waterways, and reduces pride in our neighbourhoods.

By organising or joining local litter picks, community groups across Northern Ireland are helping to inspire others to care for where they live. Every litter pick counts — from a five-minute tidy-up to a community-wide event. Your efforts help build lasting pride in our shared environment and inspire others to do the same.

How Your Group Can Get Involved

Getting started with litter picking is simple and rewarding. Whether you’re cleaning up a local park, beach, or street, your group can make a visible difference in just a few hours. Here are some easy ways to get involved:

• Organise a Clean-Up: Plan a group litter pick in your local area — it could be a one-off event or a regular activity.
• Borrow Equipment: Many councils and community hubs provide litter pickers, gloves and bags free of charge. Find your local council contact here.
• Sort and Recycle: Separate recyclable materials where possible to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
• Stay Safe: Wear gloves, use litter pickers, and avoid hazardous waste — your safety comes first.
• Record Your Impact: Share your results by completing the Activity Log below, and post your photos on social media using #LiveHereLoveHere to inspire others and celebrate your success!

Resources and Support

Live Here Love Here offers a range of practical tools and guidance to make litter picking easy, safe and impactful:

• Litter Picking Quick Guide – Access a step-by-step guide for planning and running successful litter picks in your community here.
• Health & Safety Handbook – Find essential advice on staying safe while volunteering outdoors here.
• Volunteer Networks – Connect with other groups, share resources, and collaborate on larger clean-up efforts. Find the Connecting Community Network here.