‘Charity bins’ help keep streets clean

The introduction of ‘charity bins’ has successfully reduced litter by an average of 30 per cent in five locations across England.

Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, the Bin it for Good campaign encourages people to do the right thing and put their rubbish in the bin while at the same time making money for local charities. The more rubbish that goes in the bin and the less litter that is thrown on the ground, the more money is given to good causes.

A pilot carried out successfully in five locations across England saw an average reduction of 30 per cent with the Prudhoe town centre in Northumberland seeing a reduction in litter of 52 per cent.

It is hoped that as well as cutting the amount of litter on the ground, Bin it for Good also changes people’s attitudes to litter and littering.

Supported by The Wrigley Company, charities that will benefit from the campaign include Cransley Hospice in Kettering, Bulwell Forest Garden in Nottingham and Don't Forget The Kids in Haringey.

Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Bin it for Good is a win-win for communities. It cuts the amount of litter on the ground at the same time as supporting local charities.

“Thanks to support from Wrigley, we are delighted to be able to roll this out to another four places and look forward to seeing some more fantastic results.”