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Waste Management, Littering and Shared Responsibility

Our Approach to Waste Management

Litter really is rubbish.

Ideally, everyone would take their waste home, following a simple “leave no trace” principle. We recognise that this is not always practical, particularly for families, dog walkers, older residents and those who use our green spaces daily. Our approach therefore balances practicality with sustainability and shared responsibility.

We currently manage 20 large bins across our green spaces, with scheduled collections twice weekly, on Mondays and after Thursdays. We work closely with both on-site and off-site contractors to ensure collections meet the needs of users while remaining affordable and sustainable.

In line with Powys County Council policy, where a bin is persistently vandalised or misused — for example through the disposal of household or commercial waste — it may be removed. Once removed, that location is no longer a designated waste collection point. Any waste left at that point thereafter is classed as fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and may result in enforcement action. We want to avoid this wherever possible and welcome public cooperation in keeping our green spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.

Sustainability, Recycling and Responsible Behaviour

Environmental responsibility and sustainability are central to how we manage our green spaces.

We have introduced split-waste bins in selected high-footfall areas to support recycling and encourage responsible waste disposal. Over time, we will continue to review bin design and placement to ensure it reflects both user needs and environmental best practice.

We take our advice from Keep Wales Tidy and the Powys County Council Waste Management Team, whose guidance is informed by extensive experience and evidence.

Research consistently shows that:

  • The presence of bins can encourage people to leave waste behind
  • The absence of bins can encourage people to take waste home
  • Individuals who litter often do so regardless of bin provision

How often is litter dropped within clear sight of a bin? Unfortunately, this remains a common issue.

Our expectations are therefore straightforward:

  • Use bins where provided
  • Do not add waste to overflowing bins
  • Take waste home when bins are full or unavailable
  • Recycle wherever possible

Overflowing Bins and Wildlife

Overflowing bins are frustrating and unsightly. We ask that people do not add waste to bins that are already full, as this increases littering and creates avoidable problems.

Where inappropriate bin types are used, birds and animals can access waste, pulling it out and spreading it across surrounding areas. Over time, we aim to replace older bins with designs that discourage interference by wildlife while supporting recycling.

Bin Distribution Across Our Green Spaces

Through our community asset transfer, we adopted 14 existing bins, many of which had already reached the end of their useful life. These bins were distributed across more than 100 acres, with the majority concentrated in Dolerw Park, reflecting its status as the area of highest footfall for both local residents and visitors.

We have since reviewed bin placement and, where appropriate, repurposed or relocated bins to provide a more effective and equitable spread across our green spaces.

Fly-Tipping: A Zero-Tolerance Approach

There have historically been issues with household and contractor waste being deposited in public bins. This previously resulted in bins being removed by Powys County Council.

Fly-tipping places a significant financial burden on limited public budgets and directly reduces the funds available for improving facilities, activities and green spaces for the wider community.

To help prevent repeat issues, we will continue to engage with nearby households to explain:

  • Who we are
  • How our green spaces are funded
  • Why fly-tipping undermines investment in local facilities

Community Pride and Positive Use of Spaces

We are encouraged by the clear link between positive, well-used public spaces and reduced levels of littering and anti-social behaviour. Where areas are actively used, valued and respected, standards of behaviour consistently improve.

We would like to thank the local residents, volunteers, young people and adults who take pride in looking after our green spaces and help keep them clean and welcoming for everyone.

The installation of new benches does not automatically require additional bins, particularly where bins already exist nearby. We will not install bins in locations where persistent littering occurs; instead, our focus will be on discouraging littering behaviour itself, supported by signage, education and community engagement.

Bins Managed by Other Authorities

It is important to note that we do not manage all bins in Newtown.

For example, some town-centre and car-park bins are managed by Powys County Council and Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, with certain locations emptied multiple times per day. Despite this, bins can still overflow, demonstrating that increased provision alone does not resolve the issue.

Lasting improvement depends on changes in behaviour, not simply the number of bins available.

Our message remains simple:

  • Use bins responsibly
  • Seek an alternative bin if one is full
  • Take waste home where necessary
  • Recycle wherever possible

Dog Waste

Dog waste is heavy and represents our single highest waste-disposal cost.

Over time, we will explore new and innovative approaches to managing dog waste separately from other materials we aim to recycle. This will require time, investment and close collaboration with the many responsible dog owners who use our green spaces every day, all year round.

Litter-Picking Hubs and Equipment

We actively encourage community involvement in caring for shared spaces.

Free litter-picking equipment can be borrowed from the following community hubs:

  • Hafan yr Afon
  • Newtown Library
  • Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council offices

This supports individuals, schools, groups and volunteers who wish to take positive action locally.

Signage, Behaviour Change and Long-Term Strategy

Clear and well-designed signage has proven effective in influencing behaviour. Over time, we will introduce new and refreshed signage, updated periodically to reflect progress and reinforce positive habits.

Our long-term waste strategy will be developed and published with the experience and support of our Park Ranger. We will continue to work in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, Powys County Council and local litter-picking champions to reduce and eliminate persistent litter hot-spots.

There is no overnight fix. We ask for patience, cooperation and shared responsibility as we develop and deliver practical, sustainable solutions for the benefit of everyone who enjoys our green spaces.

Policy, Guidance and Law

Community and Action Resources

  • Keep Wales Tidy – national charity working to protect and improve the environment across Wales; offers resources on litter, waste reduction, campaigns, awards and volunteer opportunities. Keep Wales Tidy official site

  • Keep Wales Tidy — Litter Picking Hubs – provides information on local hubs across Wales where you can access litter-picking equipment and support community clean-ups. Keep Wales Tidy Litter Picking Hubs guide

  • Keep Wales Tidy — Fly-tipping information – accessible background on fly-tipping, its impacts, and how to prevent it as part of a community effort. Keep Wales Tidy Fly‑tipping information

Additional Context and Reporting Tools

  • Welsh Government written statement on litter and fly-tipping – highlights national policy direction, behavioural change focus and collaboration with partners such as Keep Wales Tidy and Fly-tipping Action Wales. Welsh Government on litter and fly‑tipping policy

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