Modified street bins to help litter pickers clean up Glasgow's Knightswood and Possilpark

The lockable, bespoke storage units look like litter bins, but they are actually packed with items that residents can use to clean up their street and green spaces.

They include litter pickers, disposable gloves, high-visibility vests, bag hoops, refuse bags and disinfectant wipes. 

The scheme is currently underway in Knightswood and Possilpark, with funding from two of the council’s local area committees.

Local litter picking group The Glasgow Cleanup welcomed the initiative.

The converted bins are being piloted in Knightswood and Possilpark, Glasgow

A member said: “I think the state of the city is so very heartbreaking.

“The Council needs to play a huge part in cleaning up the streets - the rotten leafs, the kerbside junk, the weeds, the broken glass -, as well as provide adequate funding for refuse services, park staff.

“But residents also need to play a part, if everyone takes the time to clean up their local street or park maybe they will appreciate it more.

 “I think the storage bins are a good idea, all community centres and local housing associations should also have stores of litter picking equipment for local residents to use. 

“They are a start in making this last part easier through better accessibility.”

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The modified bins contain everything Glasgow volunteers need to litter pick

Local community groups will manage the clean-up equipment and storage units and volunteers can request access to the equipment by emailing them. 

The modified bins are part of a larger scheme involving fifty-six new community litter picking hubs have been set up across Glasgow for use by volunteers.

The hubs are in venues like community centres, schools, coffee shops and neighbourhood projects and are stocked full of equipment needed to hold a litter pick.

An online map is helping businesses, community groups and neighbourhood volunteers find their nearest location to access the equipment.

The indoor hubs were jointly funded by Glasgow City Council, Keep Scotland Beautiful and McDonald’s. 

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Councillor Anna Richardson, Glasgow’s convener for sustainability, said: “Many local volunteers and groups take great pride in their communities and carry out regular litter picks which help bring residents together and foster community spirit.

“This new network of equipment hubs gives volunteers easy access to everything they need to hold an event. 

“It also empowers and encourages enthusiastic individuals and groups who are active in their local area to help us keep their neighbourhoods looking their best.

“I’m delighted that the new hubs have been well received and are being well used by civic-minded city residents.”

The locations of all the hubs and information on how to access the equipment can be found on an interactive map on the council’s website at Community Hub Locations.