Cleanliness standards are described in the Environmental Protection Act (EPA). In general, areas are divided into zones reflecting how busy they are for pedestrian traffic and therefore how much litter is likely to be generated. The basis of the EPA is 'if it's clean, leave it, if it's dirty, clean it!'
We do not have the resources to sweep all streets at the same frequency and each area requires a different frequency as explained above. Our frequencies try to reflect perceived need. We don't always get it right. If you think an area has fallen below the high standard of cleanliness you would expect, tell us and we will always respond. If necessary, we will clean it - we may ask a Supervisor to visit first, to determine need. If we agree that an area falls short of the standard, we will bring the area back up to standard within 2 days - sooner if the legislation requires a more rapid response.
Dog fouling
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, now presents a major weapon, in the armoury of a local authority. The Council was one of the first local authorities to adopt this act. It allows for increased levels of fines and the inclusion of any open space accessible by the public.
The Council cannot be everywhere at once, and thereby prevent all dog fouling. It has therefore developed a campaign of posters, and pavement markings, to highlight the issue. Although animal excreta can cause toxocaral eye disease, there are only 100 to 200 new cases every year. Around half of the cases occur in homes that do not have a cat or dog. The Council provides free of charge, plastic bags for you to clean up after your dog. A roll of bags can be obtained by calling at your CSC.
Discarded needle or syringe guidance
If you encounter a needle or syringe on the street or on a public area first contact the Customer Call Centre on (01482) 393939 who will arrange to dispose of them free of charge.
You should only remove needles or syringes yourself if absolutely necessary and you should follow the guidance set out below.
Do not panic or be worried.
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First go find a suitable container.
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Try and get a rigid plastic container with a screw top lid to place the needle or syringe in. Do not use glass bottles as they may shatter, or aluminium cans as they may be squashed.
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If you can, place something protective on your hands like rubber gloves.
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If at all possible do not touch the needle or syringe. If you can, sweep them on to a dustpan with a brush. If you cannot do this, use something like tweezers or tongs to pick the needle or syringe up.
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If you have to pick the needle up with your hands, or if you are using something like tweezers pick them up by the blunt end. Do not touch the sharp point with your hands.
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Do not carry the needle or syringe.
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Place the sharp end of the needle into the container first.
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You can place more than one syringe or needle in a container but do not overfill.
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Make sure the container is tightly sealed.
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Do not place the container in the regular waste, down the toilet or a drain. It must be disposed of in a special way.
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To arrange this telephone the Customer Call Centre on 01482 393939; this is a free service.
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Wash whatever you have used to handle the items in antiseptic detergent.
Fallen leaves
During the Autumn, as much resource as is possible is redistributed away from scheduled sweeping on to leaf strewn areas. As a result, a reduced level of street sweeping may occur in other areas for a short period.
Litter Bins
Within this area, there are around 2,300 litter bins, which are emptied at varying frequencies according to perceived need (at least a weekly empty). Parish and Town Councils have purchased some of these bins, which may be located on the highway or on their own land and local resource rather than the Council's employees empty some of these.
The colour of the bins is black and gold for all, except coastal resort areas where maroon and gold is used. Requests for new bins and reports of damage to litter bins can be reported through the Customer Service Network.
