Pilot campaign launching next year to address Hawtonville littering

Following a thorough assessment of the area’s bins, the Council has already begun replacing outdated and ineffective bins, especially those without lids which allow rubbish to escape when it’s windy. In January, open top standing bins will be replaced with lidded alternatives to improve waste containment. Additionally, several streets identified as lacking bins but suffering from littering will see new bins installed in the new year.

To further reinforce the anti-littering message, new signage provided by Keep Britain Tidy will be displayed around Hawtonville. These signs highlight commonly littered items such as takeaway packaging and bottles, serving as a visual reminder for residents to dispose of waste responsibly. Eye-catching floor stickers will be placed in high-traffic areas, alongside banners in local parks, to encourage everyone to play their part.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Littering can be a real blight on communities, and we want to look at all the different ways and initiatives we can make areas cleaner and litter-free.   

“Trials like this are a great opportunity to test the waters before we fully commit initiatives to whole areas. I’m looking forward to the impact it will have and hope residents see a real difference!”

Community engagement is a key part of the campaign too, with litter picking events and dedicated days at local community centres. These sessions will offer residents the opportunity to discuss issues affecting their area and explore how everyone can contribute to keeping Hawtonville clean.

Research from Keep Britain Tidy reveals that many people believe placing or leaving litter in a seemingly careful manner - such as leaving a sandwich wrapper on a bench or placing a coffee cup on an electricity box - does not count as littering. The “It’s Still Littering” initiative tackles this misconception head-on, using large floor stickers around seating areas and signs on lampposts and fences in popular eating spots.

These materials feature items frequently left behind, including coffee cups, sandwich boxes, and drinks cans, making it clear that any form of littering is unacceptable.

Last year, the Council launched the Green Champions scheme which invited residents who are dedicated to improving their local area to become community litter pickers.

As a Green Champion, you’re not just picking up litter; you’ll be joining the charge in Newark and Sherwood’s battle against climate change. Residents will receive all the necessary equipment to carry out regular voluntary litter picking, including collection bags and high-visibility vests provided by the Council, who will also collect the litter gathered.

To sign up and receive your litter picking equipment, simply log into your MyNS account at Login | Newark and Sherwood District Council (newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk) and complete the following registration form: https://selfservice.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/renderform.aspx?t=287&k=BA4B9A3ACA28DA1D89025AE7CE82BA4C6B931206

Please note that the Green Champions Scheme is intended for individuals who wish to litter pick on a regular basis in their local area, if you wish to organise a community litter pick please call our customer services team on 01636 650 000.