Agenda item

For OSMB to consider an overview of current litter bin management arrangements, collection schedules, reporting processes and future service developments.

At the Chair’s invitation a report was presented by Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities on the management of public litter bins across the borough, including collection arrangements, monitoring processes and planned service improvements. It was noted that there were 2,558 litter bins across the borough, with 203 additional bins installed since 2020. Collection frequencies varied according to demand, ranging from daily servicing in high-footfall locations to weekly collections in quieter areas.

The service had received 929 reports of overflowing bins during the previous year and was achieving its target of responding to 80% of reports within five days, with the average response time reported as three days. Information was also provided on the use of solar-powered bins, monitoring arrangements, parish council responsibilities and the assessment process for requests for new bins. It was further noted that additional monitoring capacity was being introduced through the recruitment of new officers to strengthen the service’s data-led approach.

The Chair invited members of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) to raise questions and queries.

Councillor A Carter questioned whether a five-day response target for overflowing bins was sufficiently ambitious and suggested the introduction of QR codes on bins to make reporting easier for residents. Officers reported that the average response time was around three days and the Cabinet Member for Communities welcomed the QR code proposal for further consideration.

Councillor Thorp raised concerns about delays in repairing solar-powered bins and queried the availability of replacement units. Neil Archer, Operations Manager North, Street Scene acknowledged that lengthy repair times were unacceptable, advised that temporary replacement bins were used where necessary, and confirmed that repair arrangements would be reviewed.

Councillor Yasseen highlighted apparent differences in bin provision between wards and sought clarification on the criteria used to approve new bins. The Operations Manager North, Street Scene explained that requests were assessed through surveys considering factors such as litter levels, footfall and existing provision.  The Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment, Andrew Bramidge welcomed the submission of proposals for additional bins while the Cabinet Member for Communities suggested greater alignment between bin provision and ward priorities.

Councillor Baggaley welcomed the additional information provided in the introduction and asked how persistent hotspots and overflowing bins were managed. The Operations Manager North, Street Scene explained that collection frequencies were adjusted in response to demand data and reports from operatives. Concerns were also raised about how councillors could report urgent issues and how repeat reports were monitored. The Operations Manager North, Street Scene confirmed that direct reporting routes were available and acknowledged the need to improve the speed with which updates were reflected on the public reporting system.

Councillor McKiernan sought clarification on responsibility for bins located on different types of council-owned land. The Operations Manager North, Street Scene advised that bins located on the public highway fell within the service’s remit regardless of land ownership.

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Bacon questioned what lessons had been learned following reports of overflowing bins during 2025 and asked how bins were categorised as “red” on the reporting system. The Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment advised that additional monitoring resources had been introduced, explained that a bin entered the red category when reported as overflowing, and undertook to provide further information on the number of bins classified in that way.

Further discussion covered the effectiveness and costs of solar-powered bins, arrangements for providing bins on new developments, and opportunities to work more closely with businesses to reduce littering associated with takeaway food outlets. It was confirmed that engagement with businesses would be incorporated into the work of the newly established High Street Business Advisor team.

The Chair then sought a show of hands from Members in support of the proposed recommendations. Upon being put to the vote, the recommendation was carried unanimously.

Resolved That: The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB):

1.    Noted the current arrangements for managing and emptying public litter bins across the borough.

2.    Noted the processes for reporting overflowing bins and requesting new litter bins.

3.    Noted the current partnership arrangements with Parish Councils.

4.    Supported the ongoing service improvement programme, including enhanced performance monitoring and data-led review of collection frequencies.

5.    Consider any opportunities for further service improvements arising from the briefing.

Further actions that arose from discussions were that:

·       Requested that the information sought by Members regarding public litter-bin management be circulated to Commission Members outside of the formal meeting process, including reporting arrangements, collection frequencies, monitoring arrangements and overflow response procedures.

·       Requested that Members be provided with details of litter-bin locations under Council management, where available, together with an explanation of the respective responsibilities of the Council and Parish Councils for bin provision, maintenance and emptying.

·       That consideration be given to aligning the location and provision of public litter bins with identified ward priorities, with local ward members engaged in the assessment of need to help ensure bin placement reflects local issues, community concerns, and areas of high demand.

·       That information on the number of public litter bins classified as Red across the borough be provided to Members, including a ward-level breakdown where available, to support scrutiny of service demand and maintenance priorities and information regarding repeat red allocations to the same bin.

·       That the Board welcomes the introduction of QR codes on litter bins across the borough to support the timely reporting of issues and improve accessibility for residents wishing to notify the Council of bin-related concerns.