If you pick litter when out-and-about and don’t borrow equipment or need waste collected by your Local Authority, then this is no different to going for a walk, just be aware of any risks on the road, or what you pick up (see Get Involved).
If you borrow equipment from your Town or Parish Council or Local Authority, you will be expected to sign a risk assessment which highlights risks and limits for your activity. You would need to check insurance arrangements at this point, but usually the organisation loaning the equipment would be responsible for having this in place and managing the Risk Assessment. A helpful reminder is to think ‘ABC’ – Assume nothing, Believe no-one, Check everything.
If you litter pick on private land, you will need the landowners permission and they would be responsible for liability insurance, and for any waste collected.
Depending on who you involve, they will all need to see that you have your completed Risk Assessment and Insurance cover so keep a confirmation copy.
This process is not onerous, but just to keep you safe and to avoid any problems should a difficulty occur. Once you have done it once, you should know the arrangement for the next time (note: ABC).