As part of the Caru Cymru initiative, Keep Wales Tidy is launching the Litter Free Zone campaign in January, designed to encourage businesses to keep their communities litter-free and to raise public awareness.

The initiative has been funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities, Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The campaign is reaching out to businesses across Wales to adopt an area local to them and help keep it clean through regular Litter Picks. Interested businesses are being asking them to register their interest on the Keep Wales Tidy website. It’s hoped businesses of all shapes and sizes will get involved, from village shops and private offices to supermarkets and industrial estates.

Businesses can either use their nearest Keep Wales Tidy Litter Picking Hub to borrow kit or buy their own equipment at a discounted rate from Helping Hand Environmental who are supporting the scheme.

Stacey Lovering, Area Sales Manager from Helping Hand commented “Helping Hand Environmental are delighted to be a long-standing partner and official equipment supplier to Keep Wales Tidy. It is truly inspiring to see the passion and commitment of this organisation who, through their ongoing projects with all members of the community constantly strive to protect and improve the environment”

As part of the sign up pledge, all businesses taking part will be asked to regularly report the amount and type of litter collected using the Epicollect system. The ultimate goal is a cleaner, more beautiful community, with a strong sense of civic pride.

Speaking about the campaign, Louise Tambini, Deputy Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy said:

“We’re really hoping that businesses throughout Wales will get on board to support this worthy cause. Our Litter Free Zone campaign provides a range of opportunities for employers actively engage and encourage their staff to volunteer just a couple of hours a month. Becoming part of the campaign is the ideal way to make a real difference in the community, helping to not only protect our environment, but also preserve it for future generations.”

Any business wishing to take part in the campaign can visit the Keep Wales Tidy website and to register their interest or download the Litter Free Zone toolkit providing full information on how to sign up. www.keepwalestidy.cymru/caru-cymru