Keep Scotland Beautiful’s #SpringCleanScotland 2026 which kicks off today, is a chance to join the thousands of volunteers across the country who want to do something about the scourge created by all those who continue to think that dropping litter is acceptable.

The national anti-litter campaign, which runs from 13 March – 24 April this year, also urges communities, businesses and schools to help clean up our environment.

You can register your own clean up or find one to join on the Clean Up Scotland map with additional info on the Litter Hub

Councillor Robert Brown, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, said: “Unfortunately, thanks to the ongoing throwaway culture, there is still a small minority of people who think they can drop litter as someone else will clear up their mess.

"That’s why we are again supporting the annual Spring Clean campaign and urging everyone to also support the council’s own It’s Your Place campaign – a programme dedicated to encouraging everyone to do their bit to make South Lanarkshire a place that we can all be proud of, free from litter, graffiti and other anti-social and illegal behaviours.

“There is already a fantastic army of volunteers and community groups regularly working across South Lanarkshire so I am sure they would welcome others who want to join and help tackle the problem we all face as a decent society.

“But there really is a much simpler way to stop all this - do not throw away rubbish inappropriately in the first place.

“Please also make sure you dispose of your waste correctly in street or household bins, or at your local recycling centre - it really is that simple.

To make your efforts as effective as possible, the council has more information for local communities and volunteer groups as well as a community clean up form.

Groups across South Lanarkshire can be provided with bags and litter sticks as well as arranging for the uplift of the bags once the local clean-up has been completed.

For more information please go to our Bins and recycling pages.