Targeting resources on cleansing will help Exeter stay looking great

Published: 15 September 2023

Rubbish bins in public places that are rarely used are being removed.

The city currently has hundreds of bins scattered around the city. Many are under-used because they are in the wrong location or are too close to other bins - but they still need to be regularly checked and emptied which takes time and resource from the city’s cleaning team.

Removing under-used bins will free up the Council’s hard-working crews to concentrate on clearing up rubbish from the city’s streets.

The majority of public bins in Exeter, which are in popular locations and are well used, will be retained. Bins in the city centre will remain largely unaffected by the move.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for Waste and Recycling, said: “The Council receives an ever-dwindling grant from central government which means that we have to work within a very tight budget.

“That means we must use resources in the best way possible if we are to keep Exeter looking clean and tidy. Reducing time spend travelling around the city to check on and empty bins means we can maintain our street cleansing resource, which is what our residents want.”

Cllr Williams added: “It may occasionally mean that people will need to take rubbish home with them to dispose if they don’t spot a bin while out in the city.

“While this may be an inconvenience, it is important that everybody takes pride in their city and helps us to keep Exeter looking great, by taking their rubbish home.”