“A birthday isn’t all about me. It’s about what I can give back,” says Andy Salter.
While most people celebrate milestone birthdays with drinks and parties, Andrew Paul Salter will mark his 51st differently: walking Salford’s streets with a litter picker in hand, aiming to collect 51 bags – one for every year he has lived. He’s determined to surpass the 50-bag milestone he achieved last year.
Beyond his weekly litter picks, Andy runs two volunteer groups: Love Your Planet Salford and Clean Up Salford, both entirely volunteer-led and chaired by him. “I don’t work, everything I do is volunteering,” he says, smiling.
His initiatives extend beyond the streets. He volunteers at Primrose Hill Primary School in Ordsall and works with The Langworthy Cornerstone and Inspiring Communities Together, helping young people and families engage with their neighbourhoods.
Volunteering isn’t a hobby for Andy – it’s a way of life, shaped by his upbringing. Growing up on a council estate in Gravesend, Kent, he was taught from age 11 to give back whenever possible. “I started volunteering when I was 11 – just shopping for elderly people. I’ve always been taught to give back whenever and wherever I can.”
Fourteen years ago, when he moved to Salford, life was not easy. He struggled with severe mental health challenges and felt increasingly isolated. His surroundings only worsened the problem. “My outside environment was not very inviting. It was really dirty. Everywhere I went, all I could see was litter.”
For many, that might have been reason to retreat indoors. For Andy, it became a turning point. “There’s only me that can do something about that.” His first clean-up was done alone. “There was so much litter, I thought, I’m never going to finish.”
But as he worked, something shifted. “I’m surrounded by small green spaces where animals are trying to live. Broken glass everywhere. Rubbish. It’s unpleasant for nature – they can’t clean up after themselves. It helped me feel better knowing I was providing a clean environment not just for humans, but for animals too.”
What began as a response to his own mental health soon became a lifelong commitment. “If someone had told me ten years ago this would become such a big part of my life, I’d have laughed. I’ve always changed interests quickly. But this, I’ve stuck at it.”
When he turned 50, Andy made a statement. Instead of celebrating with drinks, he organised a litter pick with a target: 50 bags for 50 years. Originally, he wanted to plant 50 trees, but permissions made that impossible. Fifty bags became both a personal milestone and a public message.
“If a 21-year-old wants to set a target of 21 bags on their birthday, imagine the impact if more people did that.”
What started as a small family gathering grew as strangers joined him. By the end of the day, he was crowned Litter Picking King, complete with a golden crown, a blinged-up picker, and a 50th birthday badge – gestures that reflected the community’s affection.
But the work is not glamorous. “The hardest part is cleaning an area so it looks really good and then going back a week later and it’s dirty again.” Repeatedly returning to the same streets can be disheartening, yet Andy has developed resilience. “I’ve grown a thicker skin.”
He draws strength from volunteers across the UK and admits there’s a “tiny bit of friendly competitiveness” when others post their bag totals online.
Andy rejects the argument that council tax covers litter clearance. “If they didn’t have to spend money on cleaning streets, they could invest that money elsewhere. Adult social care needs support.” For him, the issue is about ownership and pride. He points to countries such as Japan and Canada, where public cleanliness reflects collective respect, and wishes the same mindset could be restored here.
Back in the early days, passers-by assumed he was completing community service. Now, he’s greeted by name. “I was quite isolated when I first moved here. Now when I go out, it’s ‘hi Andy, hi Andy.’”
Small gestures affirm his impact: a woman once handed him oranges as a thank you, and a local artist, Chelsea Davies, included him in her annual calendar – a figure litter picking with the name Andy Salter.
Now, as he moves beyond his milestone birthday, his ambitions are expanding. Andy and a friend plan not only to litter pick, but to fully transform selected streets – removing graffiti, sweeping pavements, and clearing weeds. They’re exploring volunteer-led bin bags with signage encouraging residents to “respect your local volunteer.”
For Andy, cleaner streets are not only aesthetic – they’re psychological. “People don’t realise the mental health impact of living in a dirty environment. When you walk through a clean area, it feels different. It’s good for you.”
His dedication has been recognised: he’s shortlisted for the Salford CVS Heart of Salford Awards and nominated by Keep Britain Tidy, with a chance to be named Litter Picker of the Year. “I don’t do it for awards,” he insists, “but it’s nice that the hard work helps get the message across.”
Ultimately, his message is simple: “Please be a bit more considerate. Even if you didn’t drop it, recognise that people are giving their free time because they want a better place to live.”
No grand speech. No dramatic flourish. Just a man who once refused to look away – and never stopped.
