The amount of rubbish dropped on our streets has increased by 500% since the early 1960's
The most common items of rubbish to be found on our streets are cigarette butts, matches and cigarette boxes.
Dropped food and Takeaway litter has helped swell the UK rat population to sixty million. That’s roughly one for every person living in the UK!!!!
Litter is expensive
Cleaning Guildford’s streets costs £1,246,910 annually!
Guildford Borough Council’s street cleaning service operates 365 days a year, has a dedicated hotline, more than 30 staff and a Quick Response Team.
The Street Cleansing Team ensure that public highways and Council-owned land are kept clear of litter in accordance with the National Code of Practice. As well as ensuring Guildford’s streets are kept clean, the street cleansing team is responsible for removal of fly tips, abandoned vehicles, dead animals on the highway and the removal of graffiti and chewing gum.
We have set out below the most frequently asked questions about the street cleansing service.
Should you require further information please contact:
Cleansing Hotline: 01483 444499
Email: [email protected]
How often should my street be cleaned?
Each street has a standard of cleanliness which must be met. The frequency of cleaning depends on its use. On average streets are checked and cleaned fortnightly by litter patrols, with some streets cleaned more often. Guildford Town Centre is cleaned daily.
This service applies to all civic sites and adopted highways only. (Adopted land is land that is controlled by Guildford Borough Council – this includes highways, parks, grass verges and housing land)
Mechanical sweeping takes place monthly on most main routes with adjoining roads being swept every 3 months. Please contact the Cleansing Hotline 01483 444499 or email [email protected] if you require further information or if a road requires further attention due to flooding or wash down.
Should I contact the Council if there is litter on the street?
We employ inspectors who monitor the standard of cleanliness of streets throughout Guildford. However it is helpful if you notify us if there are large amounts of litter at particular locations on the Cleansing Hotline 01483 444499 or email [email protected]
How quickly will litter be cleared once it is reported?
Clearance is prioritised and our response time will depend on where the litter is in the borough and how much litter there is.
What is the council doing to prevent litter?
Click here to find out more about our Litter Free Borough Campaign
How often should litterbins be emptied?
In the town centre and shopping areas litterbins are emptied daily. In other areas litterbins are emptied weekly.
Who do I contact if I think an area needs a litterbin?
Cleansing Hotline 01483 444499 or email [email protected]
Will leaves normally be picked up?
Leaves are collected on the normal sweeping schedule in the borough. Additional resources are hired in over the autumn period to deal with leaves and these are deposited for composting when suitable. Specific roads within the borough receive special treatment during the autumn period because of the size and density of trees.
Who is responsible for the removal of weeds?
Surrey County Council is responsible for weed control. They can be contacted on 08456 009 009 or www.surreycc.gov.uk
What is the council doing about dog fouling?
Click here for further information on the Council’s dog fouling policy.
How do I get graffiti removed?
To report graffiti which has appeared for cleaning purposes contact the Council’s Cleansing Hotline 01483 444499 or email [email protected]
What should I do if I see someone spraying public property with graffiti?
If you see graffiti being daubed phone the police without delay on 01483 531111 (do not attempt to interfere yourself). If you have information about those carrying out graffiti please also ring the above number or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Who should I report fly tipping to?
Fly tipped rubbish is ugly, a threat to the environment and to health and safety. Guildford Borough Council’s Cleansing Department deals with over 1500 fly tips every year.
Dumped rubbish can be reported for clearance on the Council’s Cleansing Hotline 01483 444499 or email [email protected]
The Council is working with the Environment Agency to stop fly tipping - it is a crime and fly-tippers will be prosecuted. If you witness fly tipping report it on the Environment Agency’s Hotline 0800 807060. Do not attempt to deal with the offenders yourself.
Please dispose of your household rubbish correctly. Click here for more information on our domestic refuse collection services.
Who should I report a discarded syringe to?
The Environmental Health Team on 01483 444371 or email [email protected]
Who should I contact about removing a dead animal?
The Cleansing Team will only collect dead animals from the highway, pavement or verge. Please contact the Cleansing Hotline on 01483 444499 or email [email protected]
Who should I contact to report a problem with a public convenience?
Click here for information on public conveniences