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A record 5,500 volunteers took part in the Kerry County Clean-up last month which saw 8,000 bags of litter collected, the highest ever tally in the seven years in which the environmental and community initiative has existed. KWD Recycling and Kerry County Council have completed an analysis of the litter collected which revealed that single-use drinking containers were the most common item of litter retrieved from locations across the county, followed by sweet/chocolate wrappers.

This year’s County Clean-up took place on Saturday, April 14, and the largest ever number of volunteers took part, as Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Sheahan explained: “The growing success of the initiative since it was established in 2012 is evident in the huge voluntary effort all over Kerry and the volume of litter retrieved is indicative of the larger numbers taking part. We need to continue to harness this voluntary spirit and ensure that more people take part in clean-ups like this in their areas more often. Tidy Towns groups are always looking for volunteers, or there may be potential for a new group like that in your area. I would like to thank the many volunteers who led the charge in their own areas and I want to acknowledge the work of KWD Recycling in collecting and disposing of the litter.”

The Cathaoirleach paid tribute particularly to Kerry GAA, Kerry IFA and Kerry ICMSA and Chamber Alliances who mobilised their members all over Kerry to come out on the day and lend a hand.

Noel O’Reilly of KWD Recycling said there was a strong commitment to the clean up all over Kerry with many individuals and groups getting involved for the first time. “Far more areas and roadsides were covered than usually which contributed to the large increase in the number of bags of litter,” he said. “We are sending certificates to all the groups that registered and sincere thanks to them for making such a wonderful effort.”

YEAR                             2012    2013       2014    2015    2016    2017    2018

Bags collected             5,000   6,500     7,400   6,000   7,000   6,500   8,000

Volunteers                   500        900      2,550   3,200   3,500   5,000   5,500