And as part of the council’s Its Your Place campaign, it is hoped pupils will continue to do their part to make sure that litter is disposed of correctly either by recycling or using the many general waste bins provided up and down our streets.

Last year there were many projects across South Lanarkshire which saw pupils of all ages taking part in clean-up events, collecting waste thoughtlessly discarded across our communities.

To name but a few - no fewer than 350 S1 pupils from Duncanrig Secondary engaged in a three-week campaign while other high schools including St John Ogilvie in Hamilton, Lesmahagow and Uddingston Grammar, were all actively involved in initiatives encouraging a sense of environmental responsibility.

And many of the council’s primary schools have regular litter picking events with Hunter primary pupils regularly getting out and about keeping their local eco park clear from waste.

Councillor Robert Brown, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, said: “Sadly, our throwaway culture continues with some people thinking they can throw what they want and let others clear up their mess.

"That is why the council is again supporting the annual Recycling Week and urging not just our young people, but everyone to take pride in their area.”

As well as providing support to primary and secondary schools, volunteers and groups can fill in the council’s community clean up form to borrow equipment to help with their own litter picking projects and arrange collection of the bags afterwards.

Kevin Carr, the head of the council's Facilities, Waste and Grounds Service, said: “We need everyone in our communities to help the council with this ever-increasing problem.

“Litter should always be put in litter bins, household bins or collected and taken to any of our recycling centres.”

For more information please go to our Bins and recycling pages.