Clean Up Laois Week returns to this year from 1st to 5th April 2024
Laois County Council in partnership with their sponsors Bord na Mona Recycling are asking local communities to spring into action to join the fight against litter again this Spring. To participate groups, communities, neighbours and friends are requested to register with the Environment Section to receive free packs of bags, gloves and litter pickers to help tackle the issue of litter in their local areas, to see the benefit of a litter free environment. The collected litter will be gathered by Bord na Mona Recycling in the week after the clean up is completed i.e. from 8th to 12th April.
This initiative is Ireland’s biggest and longest running anti-litter campaign and makes a real impact on local environments. Registration forms are available here: Registration Form 2024 or by emailing or phoning the Environment Section at cleanupweek@laoiscoco.ie or 057 86 74322.
Over the past 25 years, the National Spring Clean operated by An Taisce has been focused on the message of the collective responsibility we share in tackling and preventing our national litter problem. By participating in organised clean-ups, groups and individuals of all ages play a significant role in reducing litter and protecting biodiversity across Ireland while also bringing communities together. Over the course of the last 25 years, 12 million hours of volunteering were contributed and an estimated 47,500 tonnes of litter across Ireland have been collected.
Throughout this year’s campaign, National Spring Clean also hopes to encourage participants to think about what they can do to reduce their consumption and waste outputs.
Each year this partnership approach to tackling the ongoing litter problem receives so much support from local residents, community groups, businesses and schools and is a testament to the community spirit that this initiative fosters. Laois County Council acknowledges the great work done by all groups involved and would encourage the public to be extra vigilant in their own areas, by reporting any litter offences, unauthorised waste collectors, or fly tipping on the confidential freephone litter hotline – 1800 32 32 30.
There is an information booklet for hosting a clean up with handy tips and health and safety advise, you can download it here: Clean up Laois week booklet
Litter Warden Emily Doyle; Mary McGill, Bord na Mona and Litter Wardens Dave Eustace and John Ging with Binjy at County Hall for the launch of Clean Up Laois Week which will be held from Monday 1st April to Friday 5th April next.
Picture: Alf Harvey.