Macctastic.org

Litter Group Status 08/May/19

Litter should be recognised as a major source of ocean pollution. Anything that can be washed into drains and rivers is likely to end up in the sea.

The following topics are being considered for further development:-

The group aims to encourage people to pick up a few bits of litter whenever they are out and about, and to adopt an area close to where they live – rather than aiming to organise occasional large scale litter picks.

1. 22nd March. To kick off the Great British Spring Clean, six of us spent 90 minutes litter picking the bank of the Bollin opposite Tesco this afternoon. Collected a large car load, estimated at over 80kg! We hope other people will have a go without waiting for a big organised event.

2. The Tesco management are keen to help keeping this area tidier in future.

3. The Clerk to Town Council, has reminded us that they have litter picking sticks and Hi-Viz vests to lend. They can also arrange for collected litter to be removed from a pre-arranged location. Give them a call on 01625 374142 . Page 1 of 3 4. We know of lots of individuals who are active litter pickers, and we have collated this list of neighbourhood community groups who sometimes promote litter picks.

5. Bill Haye regularly posts on Facebook about litter he has picked up

6. The Friends of West Park, Friends of Victoria Park, and Hurdsfield Rangers group hold regular litter picks. See our Calendar.

7. Sue and Gill go out most Sundays covering the south part of the town centre in their distinctive Hi-Viz outfits.

They have started weighing what they collect with a handheld luggage scale.

8. Tytherington School has been working on this subject in assemblies, and there are signs that the overall litter situation is improving.

9. The Canal and River Trust organised a clean-up of the canal between and Macclesfield.

Litter picking tips

 Never pick up used needles;  Avoid picking litter up by hand but always wear gloves if you do;  Empty bottles before collecting them and don’t assume the liquid is the original contents of the bottle;  Only collect litter that can be reached safely.

Continued………

Page 2 of 3 10. The group aims to encourage solo litter pickers rather than trying to mobilise large groups, but does hope to make the 'soloists' aware of each other's activities using a Google Map, and to make the public more aware of that this activity is taking place.

11. Now want to identify 'areas of need', and get in touch with local business for support - either in giving access to their bins to dump what has been collected, or to encourage them to clean areas adjacent to their premises - eg Tesco and the bank of the Bollin river.

12. The Scout movement can probably also help - as part of their community badge activities.

13. TerraCycle – Have some collection points in Macclesfield for some items that cannot be recycled by East’s system .

Contact: [email protected]

Resources

Litter section of NotJustOnce.org Litter Bin Placement and Design for Recycling

Litter Picking for Dog Walkers

www.macctastic.org

Page 3 of 3