With the nice weather and the school holidays starting, more and more people are heading out to enjoy parks and greenspaces across Knowsley. However, this also means that there is more litter and, despite the best efforts of our teams, bins can often fill up very quickly.
Unfortunately, there is also a minority of people who discard their litter and fly tip which is unfair on other parks and greenspaces users – and potentially illegal!
Bin it or take it home
If you are heading out this summer, please make sure that you use the bins provided for any litter. Our teams and volunteers work really hard to keep our parks and greenspaces looking tidy and littering isn’t a good look.
If a bin is full, please look for another nearby or take the litter home with you and dispose of it correctly.
Our teams maintain over 700 litter bins across the borough, and these are emptied on various frequencies based on footfall and usage. If you notice that a bin is overflowing or damaged, you can report it online: https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/environment/street-cleansing-and-grounds-maintenance/report-damaged-or-overflowing-litter-bin
Nitrous oxide canisters
Nitrous oxide canisters are dangerous if they are put in household bins. If they are crushed, heated or punctured when waste is collected, they can explode. This can cause fires and damage to collection vehicles and waste sites.
If you spot any discarded in parks or greenspaces, you can report them by using the new online form.
After you report them, the Council’s waste team will collect the canisters and make sure they are recycled safely.
To report discarded canisters, visit https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/environment/street-cleansing-and-grounds-maintenance/report-nitrous-oxide-canisters
Fly tipping, littering and dog fouling
Fly tipping, littering and dog fouling are all environmental offences and current legislation (including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005), gives the council powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to individuals if they are caught.
Fines are currently set at £150 for littering, £100 for failing to clear up dog fouling and £400 – minimum – and a possible prison sentence for fly tipping.
The easiest way to avoid a FPN is to use a bin and pick up after your dog.
Residents can report fly tipping, dog fouling and littering on the Knowsley Council website.