Keep Scotland Beautiful eyes record-breaking spring clean

KEEP Scotland Beautiful is aiming to make this spring its biggest and best spring clean yet as it puts out a call for 50,000 people to get involved in a litter pick.

The environmental charity aims to beat its total of 45,000 participants in 2024 and inspire more than 50,000 people to work together to tackle the country’s litter emergency.

Spring Clean takes place from 21 March – 21 April, and people from all over Scotland are being encouraged to get involved, build community links and make a positive impact on streets, parks, rivers, and beaches.

Keep Scotland Beautiful’s latest report – How clean are our streets? – revealed that 72% of all sites surveyed were littered and the 2024 Scottish Litter Survey highlighted that 87% of people agree litter is a problem across Scotland.

Barry Fisher, chief executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said, “Our data clearly shows the extent of the litter issue we are facing across the country. However, we also know there is a massive appetite for positive actions: more than 80% of people agree they want to see increased action to clean up litter in their communities.

“Last year’s Spring Clean was, as always, a huge success, with more than 45,000 people taking part in every local authority area across the country.

“We know how much desire there is for a litter free Scotland, and with this year being our 25th anniversary as a Scottish charity, we are setting our ambitions high, and encouraging everyone to get involved and play a part in making this the biggest, best and most impactful Spring Clean yet.”

For young people across the country who want to get involved, the Litter League will be returning this year, beginning the week before on March 17 and running until April 21. Schools, nurseries, and other youth groups across the country are encouraged to take part and compete for Spring Clean glory.