Thursday 12-02-2026 - 14:26

Despite cold and rainy weather, over 30 Bangor University students volunteered their time to take part in the Big Bangor Litter Pick, held yesterday afternoon. The event highlighted students' commitment to giving back to the local community and taking responsibility for the city in which they live and study.

Volunteers met at Pontio, where they received a briefing, safety equipment, maps of the areas to be covered, and refuse bags. Students then set off in small groups to collect litter across key areas of Bangor, including the green spaces around Pontio, nearby roadside areas, Upper Bangor, and the surroundings of Asda and Morrisons. A competitive element added motivation, with prizes awarded for the most litter collected and the most unusual item found!

One large group focused on the woodland area behind the building and uncovered a significant amount of waste, including green bins, recycling trolleys, and general refuse. This group collected the largest volume of litter and claimed the top prize. The award for the most unusual item went to a group that discovered an electric typewriter concealed inside an old suitcase.

The local council attended to support the initiative and were so impressed by the amount of rubbish collected that an additional van was required to remove it all. Throughout the afternoon, residents stopped to thank students for their efforts, recognising the positive impact of the work being done.

All volunteers were welcomed back at the end of the event, where prizes such as volunteering coats were awarded. The afternoon provided an opportunity for students to work together, meet new people, and make a tangible contribution to the local area.

Sally Booth, our Students’ Union, Volunteering Coordinator, said;

“In seven years of working with university students, I have never encountered such engagement. There is a real sense of community among these students, who clearly care about conservation and serving their community by keeping Bangor’s streets and green spaces clean and tidy. Local people were extremely encouraging and stopped to thank the students for their time and effort. The council workers were quite taken aback by the sheer amount of rubbish collected. I am incredibly proud to have been involved in this project and could not have done it without the support and organisational skills of our student staff, especially Nic”.

A big thank you once again from the Students' Union to our amazing student volunteers!