Community litter-pick collects half a tonne of cans

The Bretton Project founder Miriam Whitham launched the Can Scheme initiative

Litter-picking groups have collected half a tonne of aluminium cans in a city since the start of the year.

About 50 people from community groups in Peterborough have taken part in the scheme, launched by voluntary organisation, The Bretton Project.

The cans have been sold to a local scrap dealer for recycling.

One group called for more bins in public places and better enforcement of anti-littering rules.

Volunteer litter-picking groups in Peterborough collected cans across the city

Miriam Whitham founded The Bretton Project, a voluntary organisation that supports residents with community events.

She said her inspiration for the Can Scheme came from recycling vending machines in Germany.

"The idea took off instantly," she said

"Volunteers were dropping bags and bags of cans at my house.

"It's been great to see the community spirit and the difference it has made."

Peterborough Litter Wombles Association, started by Harry Machin in 2020, has more than 900 members.

The group has run projects to prevent littering around the city, including lamp-post bags on cycle paths and footpaths where there are no public bins.

Two trucks were required to take away the collected cans

The group said it paused litter-picking in some parts of the city because so much was being dropped.

Mr Machin said: "It's frustrating to see litter being dumped again after you spent time cleaning the area.

"We feel people are ignorant and don't understand that they shouldn't drop litter.

"Another key issue is lack of bins in public places, which prompts littering.

"Lots more can be done. Businesses, councillors, residents and faith groups should all roll up their sleeves and join in to make a positive impact across the city."

The BBC has approached Peterborough City Council's waste management provider Aragon for comment.