Run by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, the campaign runs from 21 March – 21 April and asks people to get involved and make a positive impact on local streets, parks, rivers and beaches.

Last year 3,598 people across North Lanarkshire took part and organised 235 litter picks.

For children and young people, the Litter League competition starts on 17 March. In 2024 Hilltop Primary School in Airdrie won the national award after organising two litter picks and collecting 83 bags of litter.

“Every year, the Spring Clean campaign sees thousands of people across Scotland coming together to organise local litter picks and collect tonnes of rubbish,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

“Keep Scotland Beautiful report that 90% of people in Scotland believe litter is a problem. Most people take pride in their communities but sadly the irresponsible few who drop litter create a mess and a hazard for everyone else.

“Council staff are working every day picking up litter and emptying bins, and they support community groups who organise litter picks. I would like to thank everyone who gives their time to help us keep North Lanarkshire clean and supports the Spring Clean campaign.”

Across North Lanarkshire there are 22 clean up hubs, run in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, providing litter picking equipment for anyone who wants to organise a litter pick. This includes bags, high-vis jackets, litter sticks, kit for children, posters and promotional materials.

Details are available at Clean Up Scotland Map (keepscotlandbeautiful.org).

Litter is one of the issues being addressed by the council through its environment campaign, It's your place, alongside dog fouling, fly tipping and graffiti.