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Litter Picking on Banstead Commons

Informal groups, individuals and volunteers carry out litter picking on our sites every day and for their help we are truly very grateful. Your efforts protect wildlife, enhance the landscape and keep Banstead Commons welcoming for everyone.

We work in partnership with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council (RBBC) to support residents and volunteers who wish to take part in litter picking on Banstead Commons.

How to Take Part in Litter Picking on Banstead Commons

The following step-by-step guidance is provided by RBBC for volunteers undertaking community litter picking.

Step 1 – Read the Health and Safety Guidance

Volunteers should read the Health and Safety guide for volunteer and community litter picking on the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council website before collecting any equipment.

This ensures that all participants understand how to carry out litter picking safely and responsibly.

 

Step 2 – Collect Litter Picking Equipment

Litter picking equipment, including purple waste sacks, can be collected from:

Banstead Community Centre
The Horseshoe
Bolters Lane
Banstead
SM7 2BQ

Equipment collection is available: Mondays between 9am and 4pm
No prior arrangement is required.

 

Step 3 – Arrange Collection of Filled Waste Bags

Once your litter pick is complete, please arrange collection of the filled purple waste sacks by notifying the RBBC Cleansing Team.

Email: cleansing@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

In your email, please include:

  • The exact location of the filled sacks. It is helpful to provide a What3Words location.
  • The number of sacks awaiting collection

This ensures prompt and efficient removal.

Health and Safety for Volunteer Litter Picks

In addition to reading the RBBC guidance, volunteers should:

  • Wear sturdy footwear and protective gloves
  • Avoid handling sharp, hazardous or unidentified materials
  • Do not open any sealed containers
  • Not attempt to lift heavy or bulky items
  • Take care near roads, slopes and uneven ground
  • Wash hands thoroughly after completing the litter pick

If hazardous waste (such as sharps or chemicals) is discovered, do not attempt to remove it. Report it instead.

Further national guidance can be found at Keep Britain Tidy.

Important Notice for Volunteers

Volunteers should not participate in litter picking unless they understand and accept that participation is entirely at their own risk. Volunteers are not working for, or on behalf of, RBBC or Banstead Commons Conservators. Accordingly, neither RBBC or Banstead Commons Conservators can be held liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from the actions or omissions of volunteers.

Community Group Litter Picking

If you intend to facilitate an organised activity on the Commons hosted by a third party (e.g a residents association) you should seek authorisation from the BCC in advance. Banstead Commons Conservators would always support a community litter picking event on our sites but we would collaborate with you prior to the event to ensure that proceedings are safe and legal.

If you would like to organise a community litter-pick on our sites suitable public liability insurance must be in place.  Further information can be found here – Insurance Guidance

Placing notices on the Commons and erecting a gazebo without authorisation are prohibited under byelaws 3 and 9.