Apr 5, 2021 | Circular economy/Zero waste

Skye Community Litter Project

facemask caught in roadside brambles
Throughout the lockdown since Christmas a small Facebook group has been set up “Skye Lockdown Litterpick”, with individuals logging the litter they collect and a map being produced showing how much has been collected and from where. Between Christmas and mid March over 300 bags of rubbish and 120 random large objects too big for bags as well as a flytip of industrial plastic were cleared mainly from road verges around the island, with work ongoing. Almost 60 different individuals have been involved with doing at least 1 litterpick, with 160 different litterpicking occasions recorded. This has taken place from the far North to the South of Skye and everywhere in between. The Lockdown Litterpick has mainly focussed on litter along road verges and in lay-bys, with some from paths and car parks and beaches.

From the work so far, it is clear that there is a concerning amount of litter ending up in verges and ditches, often blocking water courses and causing a very unsightly environmental hazard. Obviously, work to reduce single use packaging is key to reduce this issue, as is education to prevent littering. However, with the problem not likely to immediately go away a new longer-term initiative is being set up to tackle this problem.

So, a new long-term community group has been created “Skye Community Litter Project”. The group currently has a Facebook page of the same name. Everyone can get involved – indeed the more people that do, the more of the island we can cover with the aim to make Skye litter-free. If you are not on Facebook you can get involved by emailing skyelitterpick@icloud.com and you will be kept informed by email.

Here is how you can get involved:

  1. As an individual, household, friendship group or workplace choose an area to keep free of litter. Once “adopted” you commit to clearing any litter from that area at least 2-3 times a year. If you would be interested in “adopting” a lay-by, length of road verge or any other area you have identified as gathering litter then please ask to join the Skye Community Litter Project Facebook Group. Each adopted area will be mapped to highlight those areas that are being cared for and those where there are gaps. When choosing an area to adopt please don’t forget there are long stretches of road well away from the villages and sections of these can be some of the least likely to otherwise be cleared. The “adopted” area can be as big or small as you like, every bit is a vital part of a bigger picture.
  2. Become a Group Local Ambassador for your part of the island – you can help involve your local neighbourhood, act as a local point for equipment to be distributed and keep your local supporters updated and in touch (not all will be on Facebook)
  3. Help with administration – keeping the adoption map up to date, dealing with the Facebook page, promoting any events, writing articles for local media etc!
  4. If you know a local constituted community group we need one that could act as an “umbrella” for the initiative so that we can apply for funding etc.
Those adopting an area of Skye to check and clear regularly can receive a litterpicker, some bags for collection, a hi-vis vest and gloves. All that is asked in return is that you let us know approximately how many bin bags of litter you clear each year from your adopted area – it isn’t a competition, its just to help us show the impact of what we are collectively doing!
The project is working closely with the Council’s Waste Manager and is keen to work with other initiatives on preventing waste and reducing packaging – the root causes of littering.

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