Scotland’s biggest mass litter picking campaign will return from the 13th of March to the 24th of April as Spring Clean Scotland calls for tens of thousands of volunteers to help keep the country beautiful.
Led by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, the annual campaign has mobilised communities across the country for years and organisers say they are aiming for even greater participation in 2026.
Volunteers are being encouraged to get involved everywhere from the Highlands to the Borders, choosing their own locations and taking practical action to tackle litter in their local areas.
This year’s Spring Clean comes ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May, with organisers saying it offers a chance to highlight the impact litter has on communities and to show prospective MSPs the scale of local action already taking place.
New figures underline the strength of public concern, with Keep Scotland Beautiful’s latest Scottish Litter Survey revealing that 83 percent of people want more to be done to clean up and prevent litter.
The survey also found that seven in 10 sites across Scotland show a litter presence, reinforcing the scale of the challenge facing communities.
Barry Fisher said Spring Clean Scotland offers a simple but powerful way for people to make a difference.
“Spring Clean Scotland is the largest mass litter picking event in the country.
“If you are one of the 67 percent who agree litter makes you feel embarrassed about your own neighbourhood, why not get involved, choose a location and register your event.”
“We want every community in Scotland to get involved, get active and make a difference to an issue that affects everyone.”
He said the charity is encouraging people to invite elected representatives or candidates along to clean ups to see the issue first hand.
“Why not invite current or prospective MSPs along to join your clean up and show them how much action is needed to tackle this problem.
“We know people are worried about the danger litter causes to children and animals and the bad impression it creates for visitors to our country.
“Spring Clean Scotland is your chance to take action and join other like minded people who care about keeping Scotland beautiful.”
Businesses are also being urged to take part, following strong involvement last year from companies of all sizes who organised litter picks, sponsored events and supported staff keen to get involved.
People interested in joining Spring Clean Scotland can register events, access tools and resources, and learn more through the Keep Scotland Beautiful website.
