Animal corpses and nitrous oxide canisters are just some of the things found by residents in Sheffield who have been taking matters into their own hands by forming organised community efforts to clean local areas.

A large Facebook group called Sheffield Litter Pickers – with 7,000 members and smaller area-based factions – is being used to coordinate monthly litter picking events, encouraging wider community involvement.

Members of the group have noted the sharp increase in disposable vapes and nitrous oxide canisters – also known as Laughing Gas. 

Nitrous oxide has been outlawed for recreational use since 2023, but it’s commonly used in catering- meaning people can access commercial amounts with relative ease.

A member of the Facebook group, Szilard Tamas, views the increase in canisters as ‘a challenging hobby’. He said: “I must’ve recycled about 2,000 by now. I’ve lost count.”

He also offers to collect canisters others have found so he can dispose of them safely, as many don’t know how to do so.

While the council has offered its support, it still faces criticism.

Group member Angela Siddall said council workers showed a “half-hearted, not bothered attitude”, accusing them of shredding litter while mowing grass in public spaces and failing to clear it beforehand, resulting in more work for the litter pickers.

Members also tracked fly-tipping and dumping patterns, often noting delays in council response after incidents were reported.

Despite this, contributors described the group as supportive, wholesome and uplifting, highlighting its role in spreading positivity and motivating residents to take action in their communities.

Nationally, fly-tipping incidents dealt with by local authorities in England had increased by 9% from 2024 to 2025, according to figures published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. There had been 1.26 million incidents recorded between April 2024 and March 2025, with 62% involving household waste.

Sheffield City Council had encouraged community-led litter picking by providing equipment including pickers, grabbers, bags and disposable gloves, available at libraries across the city. On August 4 last year, the council launched its ‘Your Rubbish, Your Responsibility’ campaign.

Councillor Joe Otten, Chair of the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee, said: “Everyone has a legal duty to dispose of their waste correctly. This campaign highlights the options available, how to avoid unknowingly fly-tipping, and the consequences for those who break the rules.”