Community litter picking is a great way to improve your local environment and bring people together. If you care about where you live and would like to get involved, we're happy to help point you in the right direction.

Before you get started

East Hampshire District Council does not run volunteer litter-picking groups.

This means that volunteers and organisers are acting independently and not on behalf of the council. As a result, they are not covered by the council's insurance, and the council is not responsible for any injury, loss, damage, or costs that may arise from a litter-picking activity.

Anyone taking part in a litter pick should understand the risks involved and make sure appropriate safety measures are in place.

Staying safe

Even simple litter-picking activities can involve risks, especially near roads or uneven ground.

You should make sure you have:

  • Suitable gloves
  • High-visibility clothing where needed
  • Rubbish bags
  • Safe arrangements for disposing of collected waste
  • A risk assessment for the activity

For added support, we recommend joining an established community litter-picking group. They can often provide:

  • Health and safety guidance
  • Equipment
  • Insurance cover
  • Training
  • Risk assessments
  • Ongoing support

If you're unsure where to start, try searching online or on local social media groups for a litter-picking group near you.

Before joining any group, check what health and safety procedures, risk assessments and insurance arrangements they have in place.

Litter picking on land not owned by the council

If you want to litter pick on land that is not owned or managed by East Hampshire District Council, it is your responsibility to:

  • Make sure you have permission from the landowner, where required.
  • Obtain any other permissions or licences that may be needed.
  • Dispose of any collected litter legally and responsibly.

You should only take part if you understand the risks involved and are comfortable proceeding.

Litter picking on land we own or manage

If you would like to organise a litter pick on land owned or managed by East Hampshire District Council, you must contact us before the event and provide:

  • A signed litter-picking agreement with the council
  • A copy of your risk assessment
  • Evidence of public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £5 million
  • A map showing the area you want to litter pick
  • A copy of your organisation's constitution

Please email this information to community@easthants.gov.uk at least four weeks before your planned event.

The council will review your application and decide whether to approve it. If approved, a signed agreement will be issued.

You can view the council's interactive map to check whether land is owned or managed by East Hampshire District Council. The council will make the final decision on land ownership or management where this is unclear.

Arranging collection of litter

East Hampshire Norse can collect rubbish gathered during your litter-picking event. To arrange a collection, please contact: ehdcenvironmentalservices@easthants.gov.uk.

Please note that collections are available Monday to Friday only.

Health and safety advice

The information provided by the council is general guidance only.

If you are unsure about any health and safety or legal requirements, you should seek your own advice before organising or taking part in a litter pick.

Useful resources include:

Funding for community groups

Local charities and not-for-profit organisations may be able to apply for funding to support litter-picking activities, including:

  • Purchasing equipment
  • Starting a new group
  • Other project costs

Councillor community grants provide up to £7,000 per district councillor to support local voluntary and community organisations that benefit their ward. 

Visit the councillor community grant scheme webpage for more information.

Terms and conditions

Please review the following terms and conditions around our support for community litter picks.

Privacy notice

For information on how we will use the data you provide, please visit our service privacy notices page under 'litter picking'.