Kiama council’s waste management officer Josephine St John said the Picitup kits were a simple but effective way of helping people clean up litter as well as track down where it comes from.

“The kits include a recycled collection bag, pair of gloves, hand sanitizer and sun screen and pad of tally sheets,” Ms St John said.

“We are encouraging community groups and community members to collect a kit, remove litter on their walks, and record what they collect.”

Ms St John said the removal of litter would protect the environment while results from the tally sheets would support larger, long-term efforts to prevent litter in the first place.

“Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Wollongong councils are all taking part in the Picitup program, which means we can build up a better picture of the causes of litter at a regional level.

“The tally sheets can be mailed, photographed and emailed to the Southern Region Waste Program, which is coordinating the Picitup campaign for the region.”

The kits come with a handbook that provides practical information and advice such as protective clothing, identifying types of litter and hazardous waste.

The Picitup kits are available from the Kiama council offices at 11 Manning Street, Kiama.

The kits will also be available from the council stall at Kiama Farmers’ Market on August 17 and 24. 

This initiative is supported with funding from the Australian Packaging Covenant and the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

The Southern Region Waste Program is delivered through the Illawarra Joint Organisation of Councils and works with local government from the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands in NSW to deliver regional waste outcomes.

Member councils include Kiama Municipal Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, Shellharbour City, Shoalhaven City, and Wollongong City Council.

This program is supported by the NSW EPA.