Recommendations for Spring Clean 2010

and Preventative Campaigns 

These recommendations are based on the written responses to our Spring Clean 2009 feedback questionnaire and comments made at the
‘What Next?’ discussion held at the Town Hall on 17 March 2009. 

Spring Clean 2010

Overview

Overall, there is a great deal of support for the concept of the OxClean Spring Clean event. It is seen by most to be an excellent, worthwhile event which highlights a real problem, is effective and should be continued.  Whilst most were satisfied with the organisation of the event, a significant minority had problems with event management and logistics. We are currently addressing these problems. 

Timing, Duration and Frequency

• whilst a few groups argued a wider spread of event dates would help with the supply of equipment and reduce the strain on City Works logistical support, the public awareness impact of a concentrated two day event has the great advantage of raising consciousness of the litter problem   in general and encouraging participation in Spring Clean
• some Groups would like to undertake additional litter picks or work at other times of the year, e.g. the river community, and we will be working with City Works to see how best to support them
• Spring Clean 2010 will be held on Friday 5^th and Saturday 6^th March 2010 

Litter Picking Locations

• problems with finding other groups intending to pick at the same site need to be addressed by clearer delineation of territory selected and ensuring that sites already selected are publicized  
• we will be providing more information about grot spots for those groups willing to tackle them
  

Event Management & Logistics

• in response to problems with communications with Oxford City Council, the Council has agreed to make two manned mobile phone numbers available to group organizers in the lead up to and during the event. The Council will be making every effort to respond as quickly as possible
• the Council will review their delivery and collection procedures to try to minimize late delivery and collection problems 

Equipment

• there were requests for over 800 litter pickers but, due in part to last minute problems, only some 250 were available over the weekend leading to widespread disappointment
• the Steering Group are currently looking at ways of making more litter pickers available e.g. sponsorship, accessing low cost supplies for groups to own their own and are also reviewing policy on tabards and gloves 

OxClean Communications

• feedback was generally positive but there is some demand for more publicity to drive public awareness which would help groups with volunteer recruitment
• whilst the website was an invaluable tool, the Steering Group will look for ways to make it more user friendly and accessible 

Event Satisfaction

• several groups incorporated a social element in their activity which they found added an extra element of community togetherness and fun
• the Steering  Group will be  encouraging more groups to do this in future 

Preventative Campaigns

Overview
 Whilst it is believed that the UK is particularly dirty and litter blighted, the consensus is that the problem in Oxford is severe. Some of this might be attributed to the high level of students, people in short term rented flats and people ‘passing through’. The Ring Road – the gateway to Oxford for many – is thought to be a particular problem. A number of remedies were suggested. The Steering Group will be considering these when formulating their future strategies and actions.

Attitude/Behaviour Change

• need for education and deep rooted cultural change – understanding the psychology behind littering is regarded as vital in this context
• intensified enforcement programme through fixed penalties -  a success in some areas where this has been implemented
• incentives e.g. deposit schemes for bottles and cans, payment for returned cans, bottles 

Litter Bin Provision

• more and better (bigger, compartmentalised for recycling, wind proof) litter bins
• more strategically placed e.g. bus stops, river banks
• more frequently emptied 

Increased Responsibility within the Community

• encouraging the general public and businesses to take more responsibility in terms of tidying up ‘their patch’
• getting business and education establishments to subscribe to a Voluntary Code of Practice
• ensuring that businesses to manage their rubbish areas e.g. containing windswept rubbish by using netting 

Other suggestions

• lobbying local authorities to direct increased monies to litter management and/or improve the efficiency of their anti litter programme
  
• using licensing provisions to force kebab van owners to change from polystyrene to biodegradable packaging
• increase public awareness of disposal mechanisms available e.g. local authority service, freecycle  to minimise flytipping
•  using/making available vacuum cleaners for clearing up cigarette butts
• increase awareness of the problem and encourage good practice at sports clubs and other venues
• invite businesses and other organisations to adopt litter black spots and either report problems and/or have a regular clean up
• schools should be encouraged to carry out regular litter picks in and around school site; involve children in competitions

Updated 1st July 2009

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College Blackbird Leys

Fairview Allotment Association


City Works collecting at Redbridge P & R