Spring into action against litter!

As Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean kicks off on Friday 21 March until 6 April, we encourage all residents to join us in taking a stand against littering.

Littering and overflowing bins are frequently reported issues, especially during spring and summer when more people are outdoors. While most residents take pride in their community, a small minority spoil our shared spaces and the enjoyment for everyone. We are addressing the issue but need your help to tackle this problem head-on.

More bins and enforcement

Over the past three years, we have invested in over 500 bins in green spaces and high streets, as well as supplied larger capacity bins in litter hotspots. 

In addition, this summer, we are putting strong measures in place to ensure our green spaces management contractors meet the expected levels of bin collection in open spaces, and we are recruiting a Green Spaces Ranger to swiftly address litter complaints and issues. We will also be installing cameras in areas identified as fly-tipping hotspots.

Help us tackle the litter issue

While we are putting these measures in place, we are calling on everyone to play their part by disposing of litter properly, ensuring we all protect the environment. 

We invite communities to come together and join the effort this summer. Many community groups are already involved in cleaning up Elmbridge, and we appreciate their tremendous efforts. To support them, we offer free litter-picking kits and encourage them to reach out if they need more equipment.

We will also continue encouraging others to join existing litter-picking groups or start their own. 

Our Keep Elmbridge Tidy campaign will be running over spring and summer to remind people to take their litter home when bins are full, lend a hand to litter picking groups if possible and report overflowing bins using the QR code on individual bins.

Engaging dog walkers

We know that a vast majority of dog owners are responsible but a few spoil the enjoyment of parks for others. With the Elmbridge Dog Walkers Charter, we remind everyone to pick up after their dogs and use any of the dual-use bins (litter/dog waste) available. We know dog fouling is a sensitive issue and we are committed to engaging with dog owners and walkers to ensure they respect others and the environment while out with their pets.

How You Can Help

• Join the Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean from 21 March to 6 April, and make a pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more – from today. If you are doing it as a group, inform the green spaces team in advance and they will arrange collection.
• Use the bins available in our streets, parks and countryside sites.
• Report damaged or overflowing bins online by scanning the QR code on bins or via our website.
• Join a local litter group or set up your own in your neighbourhood. To borrow litter-picking equipment, email greenspaces@elmbridge.gov.uk.

Councillor Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture, and Commercial Strategy, said, “Parks and green spaces are vital for keeping Elmbridge residents healthy, active, and enjoying leisure time outdoors. We won't tolerate a small minority spoiling these areas. We are committed to working closely with the community, contractors, and our teams to find effective solutions to the ongoing litter problem”.

Councillor Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, adds, “We want to encourage pride in our communities and spread the anti-littering message. Many volunteer groups and individuals work tirelessly in towns and villages to keep them looking beautiful. Tackling littering is a priority to protect our environment. Help us spread the word about Keeping Elmbridge Tidy for everyone to enjoy now and for future generations”.