marc smith

Alternatively, you could use a "litter picker" - typically a similar length - with a "grab" and a small magnet at the business end.

(Works for me - which is just as well, because my back sometimes gives me grief!)

Nothing to stop you having two of the things - one for outdoor use on litter - the other kept clean for indoor use.

Of course, you might wish to avoid any that have previously been used by the drug squad ... .

Huw.

Due to a few 'issues' I was presented with a telescopic magnet LED last Christmas to assist in the retrieval of dropped items. 

You can stand and stoop rather than bend. Its proven quite successful. 

However, in standing there, moving the stick from side to side, it presents an image similar to someone crossing a minefield, Tobruk, 1941. 

Just as long as it isn't Benghazi, I'm not worried ... .

(In case anyone doesn't know what I mean - and didn't see the repeat of "Combat Dealers" the other day - troops during WW2 gave Benghazi a number of nicknames. Apparently, one of these was "Khazi" ... .)