Join a group litter pick
Joining one of our group picks is a great way to meet like-minded people while directly improving our local environment. Whether you have an hour to spare or can stay for the whole session, every bit of help makes West Lothian cleaner and greener.
You don't need experience, your own kit, or to know a soul. Just turn up ready to muck in.
Finding a pick
All our group picks are posted in the Events section of our private Facebook group. Each event lists the date, time, meeting point and what to bring, and you can let us know you're coming by tapping 'Going' or 'Interested'. We usually post a reminder a day or two beforehand, along with any last-minute changes - handy if the weather looks dicey. If you don't have litter picking kit yet, don't worry, it will be available for you on the day.
If you're not on Facebook yet, joining the group is the easiest way to see what's coming up and stay in the loop.
What to expect on the day
Turn up at the meeting point a few minutes early and you'll be made welcome. The organiser will run through the plan - the area we're covering, where to leave full bags, and a quick safety briefing - and point you to anyone who can help if it's your first time.
Equipment is normally provided at group picks for new members: pickers, hoops, hi-vis and our official yellow council bags. If you have your own kit, please bring it along.
Picks usually last an hour or two, and you're free to leave whenever you need to - there's no expectation to stay to the end.
Remember: dress for the Scottish weather and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Long sleeves and trousers are helpful near undergrowth. If you have a mobile, bring it and if you have protective gloves you are comfortable in, bring those too.
After the pick
We gather the full bags at a few safe collection points and report them to the council for uplift, so you don't need to worry about the disposal side - just leave your tied bags where the organiser directs.
Afterwards, keep an eye on the Facebook group for the photos and the final bag count. Sharing the results is half the fun, and a fine excuse to feel rather pleased with yourself.
The results of a group pick. Picture used with kind permission by Karon Langan.
Still have questions before your first pick? Send us an email at westlothianlitterpickers@outlook.com and we'll be happy to help.