Bournemouth beach seafront bin capacity tripled this year

Masses of litter left on Bournemouth beach following the hottest day of the year on Friday, June 17, and subsequent weekend caused outrage among residents who slammed the “utter disregard people had for our area”.

This caused questions to be asked over whether there was enough waste infrastructure in place ahead of the busiest summer periods, with some reporting seeing seafront bins overflowing.

However, BCP Council has said hundreds more bins have been made available this year along Bournemouth seafront and have also introduced underground waste bins.

Footage of the littered beach was captured by resident Amy McBrayne

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “From last season, we introduced four hundred larger bins, meaning we tripled our bin capacity from previous years.

“We encourage residents and visitors to use our seafront bins correctly to avoid contaminating recycling bins, but quite often the recycling bins cannot be collected for recycling as they contain items that can’t be recycled like dog waste, packaging with food waste on it or plastic bags. Our general waste is taken away to be processed, where some recycling and energy recovery takes place.

“We currently have some underground waste bins situated to the west of Bournemouth Pier opposite the Oceanarium. Most of these bins are used by commercial businesses but one is available for public use.

“These bins have greater capacity, meaning either less frequent emptying and less space being taken up on the promenade.

Beach cleaning team in Bournemouth. Picture: BCP Council

“Work is ongoing within BCP Council and we are currently looking at how we might increase their use along the seafront and in town centres.”

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and vibrant places, added: “Our fantastic seafront teams are out in the early hours of the morning to have the beaches safe and clean by 8am in the morning. They work seven days a week, all year round to keep our beaches looking beautiful in the sunshine. We have a team of CSAS officers out on patrol whose presence provide a level of deterrent to littering.

“We have tripled the volume of bins along the seafront – so there is no excuse for not gathering up your rubbish and putting it in one of our 400 bins dotted along the promenade or just simply take it home.

“We welcome visitors to come here and have a great time. But as usual – to treat our resort with respect, clear up after yourself and stay safe.”

The Daily Echo did ask BCP Council how many fines for littering were given last weekend, however did not receive a response.