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Litter & Dog Fouling

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What is litter?

Litter is any discarded item which causes defacement of an area. It includes cigarette butts, chewing gum, sweet papers, drink cans and bottles, and dog mess.

It is an offence to drop litter on any land to which the public has access. Anyone caught committing an offence will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.  Officers employed by Braintree District Council, a number of Parish Council officers and officers of the Environment Agency have been authorised by the council to issue Fixed Penalty Notices.

Fixed Penalty Notices

A person who receives a Fixed Penalty Notice can avoid Court action by paying the fine to the Council within fourteen days. If the fine is not paid, or is paid late, then action in a Magistrates Court will follow.

The Law can apply to people throwing litter from moving cars.  The Council has the power to issue fines to people who throw litter from moving cars.  Car owners are traced via their car registration numbers.

It an offence for dog owners or those in charge of dogs not to clean up after their dog has fouled on all land and open spaces to which the public has access including roads, pavements, school playing fields, footpaths, parks and other areas.

The absence of litter bins and/or dog-waste bins is not a reasonable defence against the offence of littering.

In the case where a child drops litter or doesn't clear up after a dog, the action taken by the Council will depend on his/her age:

Minors under the age of 16 cannot be served with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

>  Between the ages of 16 and 17, when an offence is witnessed, a Fixed Penalty Notice can only be served in the presence of a parent or guardian.

To report a litter or dog fouling problem on-line please click here.

 

Litter Bins and Dog-waste bins

Q:  Can I have another litter bin in my street? 
A:  The Council has criteria for deciding whether additional or new bins are provided. This is based on the following:

Whether the demand is high.

Whether there is an on-going problem with litter or dog fouling and where a bin may help to resolve this.

The number of bins already located in the vicinity.

Whether there is a suitable location without causing any obstruction.

Whether there is a risk of vandalism.

Q:  How long does it take before a decision is made?  A:  Requests for additional or new litter bins are referred to a Street Scene officer, who normally arranges to visit the location and assess the requirements and the extent of the problem, before making a decision. This is usually within two weeks from the date of the request being received In some cases litter bins are not provided where it is considered this would actually contribute to creating litter rather than reducing it.

The Council actively encourages members of the public to empty litter bins. (See Adopt a Bin)

Litter Bins in Rural Parishes
Litter bins in rural parishes are often provided by the Parish Council.  Initial requests for litter bins should therefore be made to them in the first instance.

Who do I contact?
Requests can be made by calling our Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525 or email csc@braintree.gov.uk

What do I do if I see a litter bin that has been damaged or vandalised?  Please call our Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525.

How long will it take before the litter bin is replaced?  Litter bins are usually held in stock. Generally it takes up to two weeks from the date of report to replace the bin. Occasionally we run out of stock due to high demand. In these instances it can take up to three weeks before a new supply is delivered and up to one month to replace the bin.

In very exceptional circumstances if a litter bin is constantly being damaged or vandalised it may be removed and not replaced.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525 or email csc@braintree.gov.uk

What is the frequency litter and dog bins are emptied and how do I report a full/overflowing bin?  Litter bins in town centres are emptied 7 days a week including some bank holidays excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.  All other litter bins are emptied according to how frequently they are used.  In general, all bins are emptied at least once a week.  In most of our rural areas, the Parish Councils are responsible for emptying the litter bins with dog bins being emptied by us.

If you would like to know how frequently the bins in your street are emptied or you want to report a bin that is full/overflowing call our Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525 or email csc@braintree.gov.uk

 

More Information *
For further information, please contact BDC Customer Service Centre at csc@braintree.gov.uk
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