TPT on Tour with Sheffield Litter Pick: Community in Action

Last Friday, we were delighted to join our dedicated group of TPT/Sustrans Sheffield volunteers and staff from Gripple Limited for a litter pick to mark World Clean Up Day.

This collaborative effort, led by Gerry Bennet (TPT/Sustrans Sheffield Volunteer Coordinator) and Natalie Rustling (Chair of the Gripple Foundation), is a shining example of how local businesses and community groups can work hand-in-hand to make a real difference to their local environment. As Gerry put it, “TPT/Sustrans Volunteers and Gripple make a great team and the weather was just perfect for a very productive morning.”

Inspired by World Clean Up Day, staff from across Gripple’s seven Sheffield sites were encouraged to pick up litter during their lunchbreaks, from around their workplaces and along the River Don where many of the sites are located.

Talking about the initiative, Natalie Rustling said, “We’re trying to get employees regularly thinking about the litter that’s left on the streets around where we work, but also in our own neighbourhoods. By organising these litter picks, we hope that employees can see that just spending a small amount of time picking litter can have a real impact. Once that mindset is embedded, we are hopeful that more impromptu litter picks will take place and build momentum for keeping our streets clean.”

Our task was to help litter pick, cut back vegetation and clear road gutters at a well-known litter hotspot on Crucible Way in Sheffield with seven staff from Gripple’s Riverside site along with four TPT/Sustrans Sheffield volunteers. The group consisted of a mix of Gripple team leaders, operators, quality control staff and product development specialists, all united by a common goal: to clear the way and make the path more accessible and inviting for users.

The volunteers tackled everything from takeaway containers to a travel cot and shopping trolley, a boot and even a car trim – it’s amazing what you come across and the volume of waste that accumulates in public spaces.

The litter pick not only improved the appearance of the area but also fostered a sense of community pride and responsibility. As Natalie noted, “Events such as World Clean Up Day, and the Great British Spring Clean are opportunities for us to work alongside other volunteers and support charities that are working hard to tackle this issue. The litter pick on Crucible Way is always good to do as the volunteers get satisfaction from seeing a great transformation from just a couple of hours work.”

Gripple’s involvement goes far beyond a single day of action though. The Gripple Foundation, established as a formal structure to coordinate the company’s charitable and community work, is responsible for distributing 1% of Gripple’s pre-tax profits to support good causes.

The Foundation organises regular volunteering opportunities for staff, who are encouraged to participate during work hours. This approach not only benefits the community but also helps employees develop new skills and enhances their wellbeing.

The Foundation’s projects range from building composting heaps for youth charities to repairing vandalised facilities for local groups. The ethos is simple: use the company’s collective skills and resources to make a tangible difference, whether through financial donations or hands-on volunteering.

The partnership between Gripple and the TPT/Sustrans Sheffield volunteers is a testament to the power of collaboration. Regular communication ensures that litter picks are organised when and where they’re most needed, particularly along the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) and Riverside areas.

As both Natalie and Gerry emphasised, it doesn’t take much time or effort for businesses and individuals to adopt a small area and keep it tidy. The benefits are immediate and visible, making public spaces more welcoming for everyone. The hope is that more local businesses will follow Gripple’s lead, adopting their own “little corners” and contributing to a cleaner, greener Sheffield.

Thanks to all the volunteers and Gripple staff for making the morning such a success with over 20 bags of litter collected in just two hours on Crucible Way and 40 bags in total collected across the seven sites.

Hannah and Robert
Date: 26th September, 2025