Tewkesbury Borough Council in Gloucestershire is exploring new measures to address the ongoing issue of wheelie bins being left on streets after collection, a problem residents say mars the historic town’s appearance. While the council considers introducing fines and possible prosecution for repeat offenders, officials emphasize that the intention is to improve the town’s environment—not to generate revenue or become ‘bin police.’
The move comes after more than 230 residents signed a petition demanding action on bin clutter, which Civic Society chairman Alan Purkiss described as unhygienic and detrimental to tourism, local businesses, property values, and access for wheelchairs and prams in the conservation area.
Currently, the council requests that residents bring their bins back in promptly, but the proposed policy would make this a formal requirement. Pete Tonge, Head of Corporate Service, outlined a phased approach: starting with public education and awareness, potentially escalating to fixed-penalty notices and, if necessary, prosecutions. “We don’t want to become the bin police, but enforcement is something the council might ultimately have to undertake,” he said.
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Committee members acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue. Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown stressed the need for a workable pilot before wider rollout, while Councillor Philip Workman praised the Civic Society’s efforts and suggested the policy could later include commercial bins.
Deputy leader Sarah Hands addressed public perceptions, insisting the scheme is not a money-making strategy amid social media criticisms accusing the council of greed.
The overview and scrutiny committee has recommended the changes be presented to full council for approval. The total cost of implementing and running the scheme has yet to be finalized.