Keeping the borough clean

Litter is unattractive and affects us all. Litter:

• pollutes the environment
• kills wildlife
• is hazardous for our health
• discourages visitors, which is bad for local businesses

The significant resources we use to remove litter from the borough's streets could be spent on other essential public services.

Although there are many amazing local groups and individuals who give up their time to help keep the borough tidy, they shouldn’t have to! There are no excuses for littering, even just one cup, please put litter in the bin or take it home.

Is it a crime to drop litter?

Yes, if it happens in a public place and you could be prosecuted or be given a fixed penalty notice.

It is an offence to drop litter of any kind. The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 (EPA 1990) states that 'if a person drops, throws, deposits, or leaves anything that causes defacement in a public place', they commit an offence of littering.

If you drop litter you could be eligible for a £80 Fixed Penalty Notice and a maximum fine of £2,500 if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court.

How can I help tackle litter?

Litter is all our responsibility. Most people don’t like it, but lots of people drop it.

In a 2017 survey carried out for Keep Britain Tidy by YouGov more than 1 in 4 people admitted to ‘carefully’ littering – for example, leaving a can at a bus stop. But even one sweet wrapper, cigarette butt or coffee cup is still littering and could attract more litter.

Here are 5 things you can do to help Reigate & Banstead be litter free:

1. Never leave any litter behind - check before you leave
2. Use the bin, if there is one, or take your litter home with you
3. Make sure you carry a bag for your rubbish, so you can take your litter away easily
4. Try to reduce the amount of waste you create, for example carry a re-usable coffee cup or water bottle with you
5. Start or join a community litter pick