The Problem With Litter

Litter spoils the environment.  It can be dangerous for both people and animals.  It attracts pests such as flies and rats and costs local authorities in England £342 million every year to clean up. 

The Role of the Council

We have a legal duty to keep public areas clean.  To meet this duty all streets are cleaned on a regular basis.  We have strict response times to sort out cleanliness problems that are reported to us in between regular cleaning schedules. 

Litter bins are provided throughout Bath and North East Somerset and are washed and emptied regularly.  To report an incident of littering or an overfull bin, please contact Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 or via email at CouncilConnect@bathnes.gov.uk for more information.

Litter Fines

It is a crime to drop litter in a public place.  Anyone caught dropping litter in Bath & North East Somerset can be subject to a £50 fine. More information on the Litter / Rubbish Offences Enforcement is available.

The Keep it Clean Campaign

We are working with local organisations such as The Bath Chronicle, Bath Pride and Somer Community Housing Trust to improve the cleanliness of Bath and North East Somerset and raise awareness about litter.  The following activities demonstrate some of the ways we are trying to help make Bath and North East Somerset a cleaner and tidier place.

School Litter Campaign

We offer assemblies on litter and provide posters and information to schools on request. 

We have also introduced a competition to find the cleanest school in Bath and North East Somerset.  In 2006, the winner was Trinity Primary School.

Posters

Posters have been distributed to all Parish Councils and information points. They are available for any organisation that wishes to make use of them.

Tidy Bags

Tidy Bags are provided at most Council distribution points to encourage people to take their litter home rather than throw it on the floor.

What You Can Do

• Organise a community clear up of your local area
• Report incidents of littering and full bins to Council Connect 
• Encourage friends and family to put litter in the bin