Litter in Essex

The litter-picking competition is taking place from 22 October - 7 November 2021. Please note, there is limited stock available so prizes will be offered to the first 100 residents who tag us in a social media post (@loveessexuk) with an image of them using the litter pickers. Please read our privacy policy to see how we handle your data. T&Cs apply.

Love it here? Don't leave it here!

Since the first lockdown back in March 2020, our green spaces have been increasingly important to many of us. Getting out in the fresh air for a walk helps to maintain our mental health and wellbeing, and we're really lucky in Essex to have many beautiful parks to explore.

Authorities across Essex are working in partnership to remind the public of the consequences of littering on the local environment and wildlife, by displaying Love Essex campaign banners and posters within parks and open spaces asking: "Love it here? Don't leave it here..."

Across the county, council staff and individual volunteers of all ages work hard to look after our green spaces. However, we all need to make sure we do our bit to protect our local parks, beaches and green spaces so that we can all continue to enjoy them.

Not only is it unsightly, but even the smallest amount of litter can harm the local wildlife and damage the soil. If you visit our green spaces and the bins are full, please make sure you take your rubbish home with you.

The joint countywide Love Essex campaign message is simple... It only takes a few pieces of litter to ruin a habitat and put wildlife at risk. Bin it, or take it home!

Borrow litter-picking equipment for free

From Friday 22 October, residents are able to borrow litter-picking equipment from their local library, country park or council. Thanks to funding from Active Essex, a variety of sports and fitness groups will also be provided with equipment.

There is no need to book in advance, simply turn up and ask to borrow a kit. You will also be provided a branded 'Love it here, don't leave it here' litter sack to collect the rubbish in. You can then leave your bag of rubbish next to a public bin so it can be collected by the street-cleansing teams across Essex.

Find your nearest library or country park to get started! Thank you for helping us keep Essex clean and tidy.

Ideas to help reduce litter

• Opt for reusable items such as refillable water bottles and coffee cups. By not needing to use disposable plastic bottles or cups when you are out and about, it reduces the waste created in the first place.
• If you are planning on going for a picnic this summer, why not try and make it plastic-free? Store your food in containers with lids rather than cling film or sandwich bags.
• Take part in a litter pick! A great way to socialise, keep fit and help the environment.
• Keep a litter bag in your car so you can take your rubbish home with you if the bins are full.

Further information

The authorities and partners involved in this campaign include:

• Braintree
• Brentwood
• Castle Point
• Chelmsford
• Essex County Council: Love Essex, Active Essex, Explore Essex, Essex Library Service
• Maldon
• Rochford