litter picking

how to play SPOGOMI

Learn the steps to join the competitive litter picking world and start making a difference.


  • Teams will compete by earning points based on the type and weight of the trash they collect within the designated time and area. The team with the highest score will be declared the winner.
  • The trash collection will last for 1 hour, followed by 20 minutes for sorting. If the time limit is exceeded, points will be deducted.
  • Each team consists of 3 members.
  • Multiple referees will be stationed within the competition area to ensure safety and compliance with the rules. If a rule violation occurs, the referees may issue a warning. If the violation is not corrected after multiple warnings, the team may face point deductions or disqualification.
  • In addition to the rules set forth here, please follow traffic rules and ensure your safety at all times. Be especially cautious in narrow roads and areas with vehicle traffic.
  • If an injury or accident occurs during the competition, immediately inform the nearest referee or staff member and follow their instructions.
  • The distance between the first and last member should not be more than 10 meters apart.

※The goal is reached when the last member crosses the finish line and reports to the judge standing at the finish line.

  • Do not run (fast walking is allowed)

 Walking: Method of movement with either foot on the ground at all times

Running: a method of movement in which there is a moment when both feet leave the ground, float,

or jump at the same time.

  • What not to pick up

(e.g.)

  • Trash already in the trash bin
  • Trash left at garbage collection points
  • Trash that appears to be owned by others

  ※Judging from the surroundings (arranged and placed, signs of having been used recently,

 etc.)

  • Bulky waste

(Definition)

 Large trash that does not fit into the garbage bags to be distributed (700 mm x 500 mm =      30 liters)

     Examples: batteries/ fans/ futons/ cushions/ fire extinguishers/ concrete/ blocks

                                   safes/ metal bars/ tires/ wheels/ stoves/ computers/ strollers/ rice cookers

  • Hazardous waste (syringes, ●●
  • Trash picked up by lifting road gutters and dovetails
  • Do not leave the competition area
  • Areas you are not allowed to enter
  • In rivers and oceans
  • Private property

※About the parking lot

Coin-operated parking lots, although privately owned, shall be accessible due to their public nature that anyone can use them (parking lots exclusively for companies, organizations, etc. shall not be allowed).

  • Observe separation rules.
  • Observe traffic rules.
  • You may receive a caution from the judge when violating the rules. If a player is cautioned by the judge and repeatedly (two or more times) fails to comply with the caution, points may be deducted, and in the case of malicious behavior, the judge may disqualify the player at his/her own discretion.

▼Cases with point reductions

  • Violation of the “Rules of Competition”
  • If you do not return after completing trash pickup in time

  -10 points for every minute, disqualification for more than 10 minutes late

(e.g.) 1~59 seconds late is -10 points, and 60~119 seconds late is -20 points

  • If the trash is not properly separated at the time of weighing, -100 points

-Weighing is performed again after the trash is separated

  • If you pick up something that “What not to pick up” (see above for details), -100 points

▼Cases of disqualification

  • If you travel by means other than walking, such as train/ bus/ taxi/ bicycle, etc.
  • Any increase in the weight of trash by any means other than picking up fallen trash

(e.g.)Bulk up the weight with water/ add trash from the trash can/ get trash from stores, etc.

  • Behavior not in keeping with good sportsmanship

(e.g.)Engaging in violent behavior, swearing at other teams or judges, etc.

  • When you do not heed the warnings of judges and staff and continue to engage in malicious acts
  • In the event that you return to the venue more than 10 minutes later than the designated time for trash pickup.

Any other actions not listed here that are deemed dangerous, malicious, or otherwise inappropriate for the purpose of sports trash pickup will be subject to point deductions and disqualification.