By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Council has pledged its support for this year’s Great British Spring Clean, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
This year’s campaign will not only see tonnes of litter being removed from the environment on our doorstep, it also aims to rescue thousands of the plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans that are simply thrown on the ground but could, very easily, be recycled.
Using the ‘three bags full’ approach, volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into three bags: one for plastic bottles; one for aluminium cans and a third for the rest of the rubbish.
The Isle of Wight Council, in partnership with Amey, will then collect these bags to ensure that they are recycled appropriately.
The campaign, which runs from 22 March to 23 April, will see up to half a million people taking action to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country.
The Great British Spring Clean brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep and in 2018 around 370,000 #LitterHeroes collected more than 630,000 bags of rubbish.
Last year, the council’s waste service team supported several litter picks, in partnership with Amey, through the supply of litter bags, free litter pick waste collections and promotion of events– despite the wintry weather of last year and are looking forward to supporting it again this year.
“We know there are lots of groups already planning on getting involved and we are keen to highlight their great work and support them,” said Councillor Michael Murwill, Cabinet member for waste management.
“This year, more than ever, we are realising how damaging plastic and litter is to our environment and we all have a part to play in keeping our communities clean and reducing harmful fly tip and litter.”
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The Great British Spring Clean is an opportunity for the millions of people who care about the environment on their doorstep to do something positive that will make a visible difference.
“We are delighted that Isle of Wight Council is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support. Without councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.”
Paul Southall, Account Director for Amey on the Isle of Wight, added: “Amey were very happy to support the Great British Spring Clean last year by collecting all the waste picked up by volunteers.
“We are more than happy to be doing the same this year to help the event achieve its goal of cleaning up the Island’s spectacular coastline.”
