Over one hundred bags of waste were gathered during Torfaen’s yearly environmental tidy-up initiative.

Among the items retrieved from various locations throughout the county were beverage cans, plastic debris, and even an abandoned scooter alongside a bicycle wheel.

The Torfaen Spring Clean occurs annually and is delivered in collaboration with Keep Wales Tidy, with this year’s activities taking place at Northville, Cwmbran Boating Lake, Cold Barn Farm, Garn Lakes, and Pontypool.

Every site was accessible for volunteers who have mobility difficulties.

Daniel Hodson, the council’s manager for landscape, recreation policy and partnerships, expressed his gratitude, thanking all those who volunteered their time to tackle litter in problem areas as part of this year’s campaign.

He also acknowledged the numerous individuals and community organisations who carry out litter picking throughout the entire year.

According to Hodson, litter creates more than just an unpleasant appearance and hygiene concerns, as it can also threaten wildlife with serious harm.

He noted that there is essentially no justification for dropping litter, particularly given that over seven hundred bins are distributed throughout the borough.

Hodson explained that through the Torfaen Deal, the council is pleased to assist residents and groups wishing to organise litter picks, offering guidance on borrowing equipment where needed.

This initiative supports the council’s well-being goals of addressing the climate and nature crisis by progressing delivery of the Litter and Fly-tipping Action Plan.

Those wishing to participate in environmental activities can join the council’s dedicated Facebook group or access Connect Torfaen.

Individuals looking to host their own litter picking event can borrow equipment at no cost from a Keep Wales Tidy Litter Picking Hub.

Businesses can also participate by registering as a Litter Free Zone through the Keep Wales Tidy website.