Scottish Borders Council has launched a litter campaign aimed at reducing littering, and promoting a cleaner, safer environment in the Borders.
Campaign to reduce litter and keep the Borders beautiful
The campaign seeks to address the growing concern of littering in the region and hopes to change behaviours. By raising awareness with residents and visitors about the environmental impact of littering, it hopes to foster a sense of responsibility to keep the Scottish Borders clean and beautiful.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Executive member Environment and Transport:
"Littering harms the environment, wildlife, and the community. Everyone has a role to play in keeping the Scottish Borders clean and beautiful, proper disposal of waste and recycling can make a significant difference.
“We recognise we have an army of volunteers in the Borders who already put their efforts into picking up other people’s litter, which we very much appreciate. We hope this campaign will help change behaviours so people take responsibility of disposing of their own litter and put it where it belongs – in a bin - not thrown out of a car or left in parks and the countryside where it can cause harm to the environment, livestock and wildlife.”
Keep Scotland Beautiful
The campaign supports Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean 2025 and SBC will pull on their expertise and resources to enhance its impact. Residents are encouraged to visit Keep Scotland Beautiful website to see how they can tackle litter in their area.
Councillor Linehan added: "We are excited to be collaborating with Keep Scotland Beautiful to drive this initiative forward. Together, we hope we can make a significant difference in reducing litter and promoting a cleaner, greener Scottish Borders."
Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful:
“We’re so excited for #SpringCleanScotland 2025, and it would be fantastic for as many people as possible from the Scottish Borders to get involved.
“We know 85% of people agree that they want to see more efforts to prevent litter in their area. It starts with us. No longer can we wait for someone else to pick up the litter we might walk past every day – so we are inviting everyone to organise a litter pick with friends, family, workmates or alone, or to join an event registered on our Clean Up Scotland map.
“Every action, however small, will help us reverse the litter emergency.”
Charlotte Keeley, Project Officer, Berwickshire Marine Reserve:
'Berwickshire Marine Reserve is committed to conserving the biodiversity of the coastal waters in Berwickshire. Over the last year volunteers, members of the local community, local businesses and corporate volunteering groups removed over 3.5 tonnes of marine litter and refuse from the beaches of the Reserve.
"We are witnessing ever-increasing pressure on our shores and marine environment from marine litter and refuse, particularly after storm events. The Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean is a brilliant opportunity for the local community to get involved and keep our beautiful blue spaces clean and safe for all.'
More information
For information about recycling litter or litter picking kits visit our dedicated webpage, for more information on the campaign follow us on social media on Facebook and X.