Keep Britain Tidy’s Volunteer Engagement Award recognises outstanding approaches to recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers to deliver lasting environmental improvements within local communities.
The Walsall Community Litter Watch (WCLW), which launched in 2019, has transformed community involvement in tackling litter and waste across the borough. The coordinators of the project were announced as the winners of the Volunteer Engagement Award on Thursday 26 February.
2025 marked a record-breaking year for Walsall’s volunteer litter pickers. Throughout the year, an extraordinary 21,740 bags of litter were collected, far surpassing the 13,854 collected in 2024. This was achieved through an incredible 10,837 volunteer hours, reflecting a continued rise in community pride.
Through WCLW, the council provides structure, resources and support for residents to take ownership of their local environment. Volunteers are supported with litter-picking equipment, branded high-visibility clothing and waste collection arrangements, alongside safety briefings and ongoing guidance from council officers.
“ This award is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the strength of community spirit across Walsall.
Councillor Suky Samra, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene
“Walsall Community Litter Watch has empowered residents from all backgrounds to take pride in their neighbourhoods. The scale of what has been achieved, more than 20,000 bags of litter collected in a single year, demonstrates what can happen when communities are given the tools, support and encouragement to lead the way.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.” “
The Keep Britain Tidy Network Conference and Awards are a prestigious platform to showcase, recognise and promote excellence in local environmental initiatives. The event brings together more than 150 decision-makers from local authorities across England to celebrate the achievements of teams and individuals nationwide.
Out of around a hundred entries received each year, just three local authorities are shortlisted in each category.
Information on how to volunteer, groups to get involved with and how to request equipment can all be found at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/volunteering/community-litter-picking
