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Litter

What you can expect from us
Surrey Heath make sure that streets, parks and open spaces are kept clean. We must also keep our own public land clear of litter and refuse. Other bodies (such as Housing Associations, hospitals and government departments) have a similar duty as do the governing bodies of local schools and colleges.

Surrey Heath can also insist that some privately-owned places including public car parks, shopping centres or land outside sports stadiums are kept clear of litter, by turning the land into a "litter control area"; issue "street litter control notices" to certain types of shop owners telling them to keep the pavement near their shop clear of litter and collect any abandoned shopping trolleys in their area.

Littering
Litter can take the form of:

• chewing gum
• cigarette and cigar ends
• cans
• bottles
• paper and plastic bags
• left over food and drink containers
• flyers

The offence of littering applies to all places that are open to the air, including private land open to the air and land covered by water. Anyone caught littering will be issued with a fixed penalty notice. We will also investigate reports of litter thrown from a vehicle.

To report these cases please either complete the online report form or contact the customer contact team on 01276 707300 or email, detailing:

1. Vehicle registration, make, model
2. Date and time of offence
3. Location
4. Whether you are prepared to give a witness statement relating to the offence.

Street litter control notice
A street litter control notice can be served on owners or occupiers of certain types of commercial premises to prevent or remove accumulations of litter or refuse in streets and adjacent open land where litter is related to their activities.
Failure to comply with a street litter control notice will result in the issuing of a fixed penalty notice.

Litter clearing notice
A litter clearing notice can be served on land owners requiring them to clear their land of litter.
Failure to comply with a litter clearing notice will result in the issuing of a fixed penalty notice.

You can help by telling the Council or the police if you see anyone dumping litter or other rubbish.

View more information and response times for cleaning up litter

Related Links
Litter Bins
Litter on the Motorway

This service or information is provided by Surrey Heath Borough Council