I'm seriously considering being one of those peregrinos who picks up trash other peregrinos leave behind (that bugs me). I'm trying to figure out a way to bring one of those
grabber thingies with me. A pair of gloves doesn't weigh anything and I could buy garbage bags along the way, I'm just worried I'd get a very odd reputation, lol.
Don't worry Anne100. The worst that can happen is that people think you're a convict doing community service. Generally you'll get respect and encouragement from pilgrims and locals alike. Just be aware that in the towns and villages themselves someone may be employed to pick litter so best stick to the areas between villages. You can sometimes get a litter picker that folds in half so is easy to transport, but to be honest all the ones I've had have been pretty trashy themselves and don't last long.
There are some 'tricks of the trade' you might want to use;
- be aware of where the next village is so you don't end up carrying a full bag for miles. I usually only pick bigger items (plastic bottles etc) within 5kms of the next village. EVERY village has a big dumpster.
- when far away from a village you can cut the top off a plastic bottle and stuff it with chocolate/crisp/cigarette packets and other smaller items while ignoring the larger ones. One or two plastic bottles carry a lot of trash but are much easier to transport longer distances than a bag.
- if you're feeling really dedicated, doing a short day, or really like a village, walk a few hundred metres beyond the village and walk back in towards it clearing trash. The area just after a village gets really messed up after pilgrims have bought and consumed stuff in the shop. You can then dump the bag and start your day's walk/go to dinner etc.
Good luck! It's really rewarding when you walk for miles and leave it spotless. Buen Camino!