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Environment 

Litter

Report a litter problem/request a litter service 

To report dropped litter or to request a litter service from our waste team, please complete our online form. Choose the option for "Waste/Recycling" and then include information in the details section:

Alternatively, contact Environmental Services

Litter bins

We empty litter bins to the following timetable:

  • town centre litter bins are emptied daily
  • outer town area litter bins are emptied once a week
  • all other litter bins are emptied once a week on refuse collection days

The Government has set new standards which require councils to monitor the cleanliness of all areas open to the public whether they are private or publicly owned.

Don’t drop it, bin it!

Litter is unsightly, unattractive and pollutes our environment. The Council spends over £500,000 each year to keep South Oxfordshire clean, tidy and litter free.

In order to tackle the nuisance from litter bugs and reduce the expense, the Council is spreading the message ‘don’t drop it, bin it.’ The Council wants South Oxfordshire to remain an attractive place for residents and visitors, rather than become an unsightly eyesore with lots of litter!

Litter Action Packs

Litter Action Packs have been created as a resource for residents, parish councils and community groups who want to take action on litter and create pride in their local area. Packs contain information on how to organise a litter blitz and posters for display. To get your litter pack, contact Public Amenities on 01491 823416 or by email  to recycling@southoxon.gov.uk 

Helping you to help the environment

Many residents and local groups who take pride in their local environment support the Council’s work and help keep their area litter free.

To help these groups we can provide littering picking equipment that people can borrow throughout the year. Litter picking equipment includes: litter pickers, high visibility vests, gloves and refuse sacks.

Litter picking equipment needs to be booked out in advance by calling the Council on 01491 823416 or emailing environmental.services@southoxon.gov.uk

The Council will collect bags of rubbish at pre-arranged points.

Schools and litter

The Council’s Waste Reduction officer is available for school visits to give fun and interactive talks or workshops on litter. Sessions can be booked with the Waste Reduction officer, please phone 01491 823057 or email recycling@southoxon.gov.uk

Dirty facts about litter

  • It is illegal to drop litter under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
  • It costs taxpayers in England and Wales £540 million a year to keep the streets clean. 
  • 25 million bits of litter are dropped every year in the UK
  • In South Oxfordshire, the Council pick up over 1,500 tonnes of litter each year, which is equivalent to the weight of 10 blue whales!
  • The amount of fast food litter on our streets rose by 12% in 2003 and this helped swell the rat population to 60 million!*

* National facts about litter from Encams