About us
A community group of like-minded volunteers
Based in Pontardawe since 2019, helping keep the Upper Swansea Valley and Amman Valley green and clean for all to enjoy.
Our story
Keeping our valley green, clean & beautiful
My Green Valley is a community group of like-minded volunteers who carry out frequent litter picks in the Swansea and Amman Valleys. Based in Pontardawe since 2019, we arrange group litter picks as well as encouraging individuals to help keep our environment clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
We believe that litter picking makes a positive impact on your local environment, gives a sense of pride in where you live, keeps you active, and helps make new friends.
Based in Pontardawe, My Green Valley covers an area from Ystradgynlais to Ynystawe, and Gwaun Cae Gurwen to Rhos.
Our aims
What we set out to do
Reduce litter
Maintain green spaces
Promote recycling and environmental projects
Educate members of the community
Why it matters
Removing litter is crucial for environmental and community well-being
It reduces pollution, protects wildlife, and promotes safety by removing harmful materials and preventing them from entering ecosystems. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings, making them more enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, litter picking can have positive mental and physical health benefits for individuals and communities.
- Safer spaces. Litter, especially broken glass or sharp objects, can cause injuries, particularly to children and animals. Removing litter makes public spaces safer for everyone, safeguards wildlife habitats and preserves biodiversity.
- Cleaner waterways. Litter often ends up in rivers and streams, polluting waterways and harming aquatic life. Picking up litter prevents this contamination and protects water resources.
- Pride in where we live. A clean environment is more pleasant to live in and enjoy. Litter removal improves the overall appearance of neighbourhoods and public spaces, fostering a sense of pride and community.
- Good for you. Litter picking gets you outdoors and active. It’s also a great social activity, fostering connections within the community, and the sense of accomplishment can boost mood and reduce stress.
Recycling
Approximately 25% of the litter we pick up is drinks cans & plastic bottles
256
Bags of aluminium cans and plastic bottles collected for recycling in 2025
21
Bags each month on average
25%
Of the litter we pick up is cans & bottles
Most of the cans and bottles collected by MGV volunteers are saved in our own large recycling bin and collected monthly by NPTC for recycling. Ystalyfera volunteers collect aluminium cans and donate money raised to various charities.
Keep Wales Tidy has been calling for a deposit return scheme for nearly two decades, as they believe this is a practical, proven approach that can deliver real environmental benefits for communities across Wales. October 2027 is the earliest date given for the introduction of this long-awaited scheme across the UK, so it looks like we’ll be collecting our bags of recyclables for many more months to come.
Roadside litter
A significant environmental, safety and economic issue
Roadside litter causes harm to wildlife and pollution, and leads to hazardous clean-up operations. People who mindlessly toss their rubbish often fail to appreciate the potentially lethal consequences of their actions.
Discarding drink containers and food packaging out of cars or on kerbsides not only makes our towns, villages and countryside look unsightly but also kills animals by leading them to dangerous roadsides. Clearing litter debris often puts workers and motorists at risk. It leads to road closures and delays, and councils spend thousands clearing roads, taking valuable resources away from other important work.
Out & about
Find us at local shows & events
Community fetes, shows and carnivals are a great chance to catch up with friends and neighbours, to support local businesses and charities, and to have a lot of fun. Look out for our stall at events like the Heart of the Valley Show in Pontardawe and the Clydach Community Council Summer Fete. Drop by, say hello to our local litter picking volunteers, find out a bit more about the group, and of course have a go at ‘Splat the Can’.
Join today
Make a real difference in your community
Become a member, come along to a litter pick, or get in touch for membership details and the latest group pick news.
