Nifty QR code expected to transform litter picks in Glasgow

Situated at the Tollcross Advice and Learning Centre on Braidfauld Street, the new hub will allow people to book out equipment whenever they want for community clean-ups.

It will be the first of its kind in the East End of Glasgow as it looks to tackle the litter problem that the area has seen, with community groups, schools and local businesses all getting involved to help.

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Armed with up to 20 litter grips, several high-vis vests and gloves to protect people collecting rubbish in the streets, it is an “addition” to the community as one resident described.

The hub will also be the first of its kind to come with a QR code. The code inside the units will allow members of the public to send real-time collection information back to the council to help them understand what type of litter is being dumped.

Groups from around the area are excited to see the improvement the hub can make (Image: Colin Mearns)

The rubbish in the area has been a huge problem according to residents (Image: Colin Mearns)

Pupils helping clean the streets in Tollcross (Image: Colin Mearns)

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for neighbourhood services and assets, said: “It is great to see new litter-picking hubs being installed in more communities across the city where people can take advantage of the equipment to help tidy their neighbourhoods.

“I know there are many people who take great pride in the areas where they live and do regular litter picks.

“It is fantastic to see Tollcross schools, businesses, the local housing association and members of the community joining forces with our Neighbourhood Improvement Team to tackle litter and improve their local environment.”

Having been previously trialled in the West End, the hubs were deemed a “huge success” by members of the community council, who are excited by the improvements the equipment could make to the area.

Pupils from St Paul’s Primary School in Shettleston and Wellshot Primary helped launch the new hub which was funded by the council’s local area partnership in response to a request from residents.

The new hub with all the essentials inside for the community to use (Image: Colin Mearns)

Members of Auchenshuggle and Tollcross Community Council, Tollcross Housing Association, Tollcross Community Trust, Tollcross Co-op and Funeralcare also joined the litter pick.

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Now becoming number 88 in the hubs across Glasgow, those who are getting behind the initiative are seeking members of the community to come and take advantage of the equipment.

MP for Glasgow East David Linden, left, and SNP Councillor Laura Doherty (Image: Colin Mearns)

SNP councillor for Shettleston Laura Doherty added: “Litter is one of the biggest complaints we get across the city.

“The community will be able to run litter pick events themselves with this hub and it is really positive to see people getting involved and looking to tackle it at a community level.

“It is great to have communities working together and also having groups such as the council, the community council and the community trust all coming together to make a day of it.

“As much as it might seem like a trivial issue, it has a huge impact on the lived experience within the community.”

Ellen Stewart, secretary of Auchenshuggle and Tollcross Community Council, said: “We are really pleased to have the litter picking hub installed and hope that local people take advantage of the equipment. It’s in an easily accessible location – all people have to do is ask to use it at the advice centre.

“We hope that as more residents and groups in the area learn of this facility, more of them will use it and we can really Tidy Tollcross Together.”

Check out our live from the new litter-picking hub below.