As part of the Caru Cymru initiative, Keep Wales Tidy launched the Litter Free Zone campaign earlier this year designed to encourage businesses to keep their communities’ litter-free and to raise public awareness.

So far almost 120 businesses and 200 schools have joined the scheme, conducting regular litter picks in their adoptive areas.

The initiative has been funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities, Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

A McDonalds restaurant has signed up to a pledge scheme aimed at tackling litter around its premises.

Councillors, staff, volunteers, and local businesses have joined forces to launch a Litter Free Zone in Welshpool, with the McDonalds premises at Buttington, among those signing up to the new Keep Wales Tidy scheme.

By signing up for the initiative, McDonald’s has pledged to keep both its own premises and the surrounding areas, such as the Canal and Rivers Trust picnic area, clean.

Councillor Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a Greener Powys, said:

“Litter picking can quickly transform an area, from one that looks neglected into somewhere that people can feel proud of.”

“Encouraging businesses and their employees to help keep their local areas clean, tidy and free from litter is all part of the larger Wales-wide Caru Cymru initiative which aims to inspire everyone to take action and care for the environment. By working together to create a clean and safe environment, we can build stronger, healthier communities and make a positive difference to our planet.”

“We would like to encourage more Powys based businesses to get involved and adopt a Litter Free Zone. Not only will it show customers they are a responsible business that takes the issue of littering seriously but allowing staff to be involved with community projects is also proven to help boost productivity, staff moral and retention. We are grateful for the support from our Keep Wales Tidy volunteers, who will be able to provide participating businesses with resources and help to publicise their Litter Free Zone status.”

Volunteering is a great way to improve mental health and well-being and just half an hour’s litter pick once a month is all that’s required. All Keep Wales Tidy ask for is for everything to be recorded using Epicollect which is an online recording database, information can also be inputted using the mobile app and inputted as you go.

Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd is delighted to be working collaboratively with Keep Wales Tidy, they have already adopted a series of Litter Free Zones close to their office and construction sites.

 

Georgie Davies their Public Liaison Officer said,

“We will be driving the Litter Free Zones campaign across Wales to protect our environment for now and for future generations”.

“We have committed to these areas for 12 months and are excited to work together to create a clean and safe environment, building stronger, healthier communities, and making a positive difference to our planet”.

The Litter Free Zones they have supported so far include:

• Llanfoist area near the Head Office in Abergavenny
• Town Moor Park in Narberth.
• Junction 12 westbound, leading to Talybont
• Cwmbach area of Aberdare

Any business wishing to take part in the campaign can visit the Keep Wales Tidy website and to register their interest or download the Litter Free Zone toolkit providing full information on how to sign up. www.keepwalestidy.cymru/caru-cymru 

Businesses can either use their nearest Keep Wales Tidy Litter Picking Hub to borrow kit or buy their own equipment at a discounted rate from Helping Hand Environmental who are supporting the scheme.