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Littering and street sweeping

Contents

- Overview
- Littering
- Street sweeping
- Fixed penalty notices (FPNs)
- Public litter bins


Overview 

We are responsible for cleaning all roads and footpaths in Gateshead, as well as emptying all litter bins. 

This is usually done as part of a set schedule across the borough, but where operationally possible we do respond to reports of high volumes of litter or anything causing a potential hazard.

If you have found a large amount of litter dumped, you may need to report fly-tipping

Littering

Littering is a crime and wardens can issue you with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £80 if you are caught doing it. 

Instead of littering, you should use public litter bins or hold onto the litter until you can dispose of it at home. If you find one of our street bins are full, you can report overflowing bins to us and we will try to get the emptied as soon as possible.

If there is litter containing hazardous items, you can report it to us and we will investigate it further. If it's deemed a hazard, we will aim to pick it up within one working day.

If we don't deem it a hazard, it will be picked up as part of the normal litter pick schedule.

Report a littering issue

You can alternatively call our customer service team on 0191 433 3000. 

Street sweeping

Street sweeping requests can be made to deal with large amounts of debris or mud that is building up. For general litter including paper or food packaging, you should report littering to us instead.

We usually sweep our streets as part of a scheduled cycle. This might differ from area to area based on footfall and activity.

If there are hazardous items, you can report it to us and we will investigate it further. If it's deemed a hazard, we will aim to sweep the area within one working day.

If we don't deem it a hazard, it will be swept as part of the normal collection schedules.

Request street sweeping

You can alternatively call our customer service team on 0191 433 3000. 

Fixed penalty notices (FPNs)

The law authorises our neighbourhood wardens to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone caught littering.

If you are caught, you will receive an £80 fine.

Pay a fixed penalty notice

Public litter bins

If you have found an issue with a public litter bin, such as it's overflowing or damaged, you can find out more about how to report it on our public litter bin page.