The Free Community Litter Picking Library
Welcome to PACT’s litter picking library! We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to improve our local area, protect our wildlife, and take pride in where we live.
The equipment we keep includes litter pickers, bag hoops, hi-vis vests, heavy-duty gloves, and bin bags, with enough stock to cater for up to 20 adults and 20 children. The equipment is loaned free of charge to community groups and residents who are planning a litter pick. It is available for collection from Penrith and must be returned after use.
We are incredibly grateful to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) who have funded this resource through their community fund.
Please note: Unless a litter pick has been organised by PACT, it will not be covered by our insurance. It is therefore the responsibility of the organiser to ensure all appropriate safety measures are in place. Please read through the FAQs below for guidance, advice, and useful links.
Request to book out the litter picking resources via the below form.
We recommend that you also read through PACTs health and safety guide that can be downloaded by clicking on this link.
We will be in touch shortly – please email us at info@penrithact.org.uk if you don’t hear from us within 5 working days.
Community Litter Picking FAQ
We have x 20 adults litter picks, x20 kids litter picks, x40 bag hoops (so useful!), high vis in a range of sizes including kids, hand sanitiser and workwear gloves.
You must arrange the disposal of your collected rubbish before your event takes place. Please contact either Westmorland and Furness Council or Cumberland council to agree on a specific location where your tied bags can be safely left.
Westmorland & Furness:contracts@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Cumberland: wasteos@cumberland.gov.uk
If you are an established group, charity, or business (such as the Scouts or a local shop), you will need to operate under your own Public Liability Insurance. If you are an informal group of residents or friends, you will be asked to sign a simple waiver acknowledging that you are undertaking the activity independently and at your own risk.
(We will send this over when you put through a booking request)
Yes. PACT can help you with this by supplying a template. The designated Group Leader must review this, sign it, and brief all volunteers on the safety guidelines before the litter pick begins.
Your safety is paramount. Do not touch needles, syringes, unidentifiable chemicals, or attempt to move heavy fly-tipped items like mattresses. Please leave these items exactly where they are and report their location directly to Westmorland and Furness Council via their website or customer service line.
Yes, we actively encourage it! We stock child-sized litter pickers. However, any volunteers under the age of 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times during the activity.
Once you have submitted your booking form, a PACT volunteer will be in touch to confirm your dates and arrange a time for you to collect and drop off the equipment at our Penrith location.
No, this is a shared community library. We kindly ask that you wipe down the handles of the pickers and return all items promptly on your agreed date so that the next community group can use them.
We have marked all equipment with green spray paint. We ask that if undertaking a pick with resources from multiple places, to count back in those that have been marked in green so that equipment doesn't get misplaced.