Big Spring Clean Resources
Welcome to the Resources Area. Everything you need to know about how to run your own BIG Spring Clean event can be found here.
Here is an overview of how to organise your event. if you would like to download a full guide click here. Good Luck and don't forget to let us know how you get on by completing the results section of your event.
How to Run a BIG Spring Clean Event
Planning ahead is important to the success of your event and if you take note of the following advice, your clean up will be rewarding and fun.
Where - Firstly, it is important to decide where you would like to do your clean up. This could be anywhere from a local landmark to a well-known 'grot spot.' It is essential that you get permission from the landowner before your event.
Who - You may already be part of a group wishing to do a clean up. If so, involve them at the planning stage and make it a real team effort. Perhaps you could drum up support from other groups in your area: community and youth groups, resident’s associations and environmental groups are just a few of the many who could be interested in making an impact on their local environment.
Health & Safety - Having chosen a place for you clean up, visit the site and carry out a full risk assessment. This is a careful examination of the possible risks that could cause harm to you or your volunteers. For more information have a look at our Health & Safety Tips.
Additional Support - At an early stage, you need to think about what you will do with the waste once it has been collected. Usually your council will help by collecting the rubbish or providing a skip, but please give them as much notice as possible. Helpful Council contacts are listed here.
Publicity - Contact the local press and see if they would be interested in covering your story, we have provided a template press release you can use to talk about your clean up.
Sponsorship and Funding - This largely depends on the type of event that you have in mind and whether you wish to continue your environmental work after your clean up.
Recycling - It’s good practice to recycle the litter you’ve collected, if at all possible. Contact the Recycling Officer at your local council for advice on whether certain materials should be collected separately, where they should be taken or how they should be disposed.
The key to getting people involved in your clean up is to make it as much fun as possible. Whether you turn your clean up into a sponsored challenge, have a theme or even enlist the help of a local celebrity, the more interesting and fun the event, the more people will want to take part. Remember to register your results and you can help and add to the Clean-o-meter!
Recommended Equipment
In addition to the Clean Up Kit, which will be sent once you register, you might want to consider sourcing some of the following , which your council may help you with– bearing in mind the nature of the site and type of litter you will be dealing with:
- Litter-pickers
- Protective gloves
- Bin bags and bags for recycling
- Rakes or shovels
- A safe container (eg biscuit tin or bucket with lid) for sharp objects
- First aid kit
- Anti-bacterial wipes or hand-washing gel
- A skip (for larger events)
Download our "Planning your BIG Spring Clean Event" booklet