A group of litter pickers in Bradford are hoping to change the world one bag of rubbish at a time.
University of Bradford graduate, Rotimi Olorunfemi, has shared his hopes of starting a revolution against waste.
After gathering a team of volunteers for litter picks in Shipley and Bradford, he feels change is already brewing.
“Coming to Bradford I noticed some parts were really dirty,” said Rotimi, sabbatical officer at the Bradford Union of students.
“I brought up the idea and reached out to students. We’ve done two litter pick events.
“It’s not going to be a one time event. There’ll be lots of opportunities.
“It’s really amazing. We had people living in a community going, ‘Thank you very much’. It’s really beautiful seeing the residents really appreciating our work. Some even volunteered to join us. They came out of their homes and joined to support us.
“Looking back it gave everyone of us a sense of fulfilment that we’re making a difference.
“When I had the idea I wasn’t even thinking, ‘Who’d be interested in doing that?’ But I was shocked. We had over 30 volunteers. It just shows a lot of people are looking for ways to make a difference, they don’t really know how to go about it. It just needs that one person to start something.
“Never say no one is interested, you don’t know until you try. That’s one thing I’ve learnt. It’s been amazing, the turn out, the support. It takes one person to make a difference.”
Rotimi, who studied artificial intelligence and data analytics, drew from an African adage about the importance of community.
“I believe so much in community,” the BD7 resident said.
“If our community is not fit to live in we can’t go to work, we can’t do anything. I’m a champion of community building.
“I’m really keen on community and bringing people together. All this is just geared towards empowering young people, empowering the community, and making the world a better place. We need to start from home.”
Rotimi’s ‘One Litter at a Time’ campaign has been backed by a number of local representatives on Bradford Council and Shipley Town Council.
It comes just months after The Telegraph & Argus launched its Community Clean Up campaign.
Fly-tipping and littering has blighted streets and neighbourhoods across Bradford district for too long.
There are so many community groups, hidden litter-picking heroes, and kind neighbours out on the streets.
We want to celebrate the amazing work of Bradfordians by regularly sharing their efforts.
When we pull together and protect the places we live, it sends a strong message to those behind the often dangerous and hazardous mess.
We want to mark the start of a new era, shining a light on neighbours making a difference.
You can send in photos and videos of your community’s litter clean ups by emailing newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk
Fly-tipping in Bradford - the important numbers and websites
Fly-tipping sites can be reported to Bradford Council by calling 01274 431000 or at www.bradford.gov.uk
Anyone who suspects that someone will be disposing of waste illegally should report them to the Environment Agency.
You can check that a waste carrier is registered by visiting the agency’s website, www.environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index
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