We believe the only long term solution to litter and other related issues, such as dog fouling and illegal dumping, is to find ways of preventing them from happening in the first place.
Our Litter Strategy outlines the responsibility of the Council and community partners to each play their part in tackling litter. We will be working alongside individuals, community organisations, businesses, and landowners to work in partnership to achieve the aims of the Strategy and Action Plan to achieve a cleaner Falkirk.
Litter Strategy and Action Plan
Waste Services have launched it's 5 year Litter Strategy: A Cleaner Falkirk 2021 to 2026 and annual Litter Prevention Action Plans:
- Downloads
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Litter Strategy - A Cleaner Falkirk 2021 - 2026
DOCX file, 1.4 MB
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Litter Prevention Action Plan - Take Pride in Falkirk 2021
ODT file, 1023.9 KB
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Litter Prevention Action Plan - Take Pride in Falkirk 2022
ODT file, 1.3 MB
Litter Strategy: A Cleaner Falkirk 2021-2026
The litter strategy is the overarching plan towards a 'litter free Falkirk' and transforming Falkirk's open spaces for the next 5 years.
The Strategy lays out our plans to:
- Transform our open spaces and streets
- Meet the Government's expectations towards a litter free Scotland
- Reflect our community's desire to have a clean and healthy local environment free of litter, fly-tipping and dog waste.
Our aims:
- Prevention of litter, fly-tipping and dog fouling
- Minimisation of detritus and debris on our roads/streets
- Encouraging personal responsibility and behaviour change
Reasons for the new strategy:
- Support the Scottish Government's National Litter Strategy Towards a Litter-free Scotland. The national strategy was implemented to encourage people to take greater responsibility and for organisations to be more accountable as part of the overall focus on preventing litter and flytipping.
- Deliver the requirements for the Code of Practice for Litter and Refuse (CoPLAR) 2018.
- Importance of maintaining a clean environment and clear statement of how we intend to achieve this aim
- Continuing pressure on Council budgets
Waste Services
We work with community groups, schools, individuals and local businesses and can help you improve your area in many ways, including:
- Local clean ups – we support local litter picking activities through equipment loan, guidance on where to pick, waste collection and providing Public Liability insurance
- Encouraging residents to correctly make use of the kerbside collection services, by maximising recycling and reducing waste sent to Eenergy from Waste
- Encouraging businesses to comply with their business waste requirements
- Promoting responsible and community minded behaviours for example – picking up their own dog waste, promoting and developing campaigns such as Green Dog Walkers, and promoting the re-use of bulky household items which can be used by others
- Promoting through our communication channels such as our website, Facebook page – Take Pride in Falkirk and Tenant Talk articles to spread messaging about the good work being carried out in local communities throughout Falkirk.
- Sharing community resources in litter, dog fouling and flytipping prevention
- Encouraging interested organisations to create their own Litter Prevention Action Plans
- Taking enforcement action where it merits, such as issuing fixed penalty notices or reporting to the Procurator Fiscal, and partnership working with Police Scotland and SEPA to prevent further waste crimes being committed.
Street Cleansing
Street Cleansing clean streets, paths and drains as well as other public areas where we remove litter and flytipping. We also service street litter bins.
Litter is waste in the wrong place. Litter is anything that is thrown down, dropped or deposited and left that causes defacement, in a public place by any person.
Flytipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It is not only illegal, but unattractive and can be dangerous especially to children and wildlife.
Report discarded syringes
Discarded syringes can be reported 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Falkirk Council need a litter strategy?
The Strategy supports the Scottish Government's National Litter Strategy "Towards a Litter-free Scotland" which was launched in 2014 and the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Scotland) which is known as (CoPLAR 2018).
Falkirk council wants to ensure its practices are relevant and effective to prevent litter, flytipping and dog fouling. We need provide the most efficient and effective services to our residents, to this it requires innovation and ambition as laid out in the strategy.
What is CoPLAR 2018?
The Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (CoPLAR) provides practical guidance on fulfilling the duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 89. These are to, as far as is practicable:
- keep land clear of litter and refuse (Duty 1)
- to keep certain roads clean (Duty 2)
What is litter?
Litter is simply waste in the wrong place. Litter is anything that is thrown down, dropped or left in a public place. Litter is an offence as per Litter (Fixed Penalty Notices) (Scotland) Order 2014, and can result in the issue of an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice.
Street Litter Control Notices can be issued where litter can be clearly traced back to certain types of business, such as take-away food premises. This results in the business owner being responsible for keeping the front of their premises clear of litter.
What is fly tipping?
Illegal dumping or fly tipping of waste is the larger items of waste that are not being disposed of correctly. Fly tipped items can include furniture, black bag waste, garden waste and soil.
Fly Tipping is an offence as per Section 33A Environmental Protection Act 1990, and can result in a £500 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued for offences committed and/or prosecution. However, fines can be issued up to £20,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. If a case is heard in the High Court, fines can be unlimited and offenders face up to 2 years imprisonment, or 5 years if hazardous waste is dumped. Where fly-tipping involves the use of a vehicle, the driver can be prosecuted, as can the owner of the vehicle. The Police also have powers to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.
What is dog fouling?
Dog fouling is where any person in charge of a dog fails to immediately remove and dispose of appropriately any excrement after a dog has fouled without reasonable excuse or the consent of the landowner. Dog fouling is an offence.
If you do not clean up after your dog you may face an £80 on-the-spot fine, increasing to £100 if not paid within 28 days. If you refuse to pay the fine, you may be prosecuted and may face a court appearance with a maximum penalty of £500. Registered blind dog owners are exempt from penalties.
If you would like more information on the work of the Litter Strategy,to participate with our latest campaigns, or to suggest any ideas, please contact us: