A litter bin is a receptable, or container, in a public place where people can deposit, or throw away, small items of rubbish for collection so keeping the area clean, tidy, and hygienic. 

A litter bin is usually either bolted to the ground or self-weighted to keep it anchored in place. Smaller bins can be attached to a wall or dedicated post. 

Litter bins are predominantly plastic or metal however a smaller number are made from wood or concrete. Most litter bins have an internal liner to place a waste sack in so making it quicker, and easier, to empty the bin contents. 

The most popular litter bins in the UK have an enclosed hooded top to help prevent litter escaping in high winds. 

Areas near the sea or where wildlife regularly try to access contents have ‘seagull flaps’ placed in front of the litter bin apertures. These are lightweight clear polycarbonate plastic which you push against to deposit litter into the bin, in turn it prevents wildlife gaining access. 

Is it illegal to drop litter on the floor in the UK?

Dropping litter on the floor in a public space is illegal. If caught dropping litter, you can be fined or face prosecution in court. Authorised officers have powers to issue fixed penalty charges of up to £150, if you don’t pay and or it goes to court the fine could rise to £2500.00 if convicted. 

Does providing more bins in public areas reduce litter?

It has been shown in studies that heavily littered areas unfortunately attract more litter. 

Providing enough litter bins of suitable capacity for a given area whilst emptying and servicing regularly is key to reducing litter in surrounding public spaces. If a waste bin is full people are more likely to leave rubbish next to it or just discard it on the ground elsewhere.  

Why is it important to put litter in a bin?

Litter creates both environmental and unsightly visual pollution in the surrounding area. 

Animals and wildlife are attracted to areas containing lots of litter as a food source and at the same time creating further mess. When doing so they can pick up germs and become carriers for diseases that can make humans ill. 

Why is litter bad for the environment?

Littering along roads, streets or by litter bins has an adverse effect on the environment. Toxic materials, for example plastics and metals, or chemicals in litter can be blown or washed into rivers, forests, lakes, and oceans which can eventually pollute waterways, soil, or aquatic environments. 

How does littering hurt animals?

Researchers estimate over one million animals die each year due to littering with the most common being plastic derived. Marine animals are most notably impacted, drowning after becoming entangled in or starve after eating plastic. 

Animals can starve if ingest plastic waste as it can block their digestive tracts. Toxic chemicals in plastic can also harm animals’ health, and eventually humans can ingest these chemicals as they make their way up the food chain. 

Where can I buy a suitable litter bin for public areas?

At Roadware we have a large range of litter bins available to buy in various colours and capacity sizes to either floor, post, or wall mount in any public area.