Street cleaning
In this section you can find information on the range of services we provide to keep the district’s streets and public areas clean, safe, tidy and attractive.
These include sweeping streets and paths and emptying street litter bins. We tackle fly tipping, graffiti and vandalism - illegal, anti-social activities that create a negative impression and contribute to people's fear of crime. We also remove abandoned or nuisance vehicles.
Help us keep the district looking great. If you spot a problem, let us know.
Reporting a street or area cleanliness issue
Street and public areas Toggle accordion
Our contractor, Veolia, monitors and regularly cleans the streets, paths and other public areas to keep them clear and litter free. But let us know if you notice a street or area that you feel needs cleaning.
There is more information to help you in the section About your street cleaning service.
Emptying litter bins Toggle accordion
Dropping litter is an offence and can result in a fine.
We provide litter bins throughout the District to ensure that there is no excuse for leaving rubbish on the streets. These bins are intended for use by residents and visitors on-the-go.
They must not be used for domestic or business waste. Bags of waste left around the bin maybe investigate with a view to enforcement action.
To promote recycling, we’ve installed dual litter bins with a compartment for refuse and another for recycling, as well as on-street recycling bins.
The bins are regularly checked and emptied. If you spot that one is overflowing or any other problem about litter bins, please let us know.
Dog fouling Toggle accordion
Public Spaces Protection Orders
Some public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) - previously called Dog Control Orders (DCOs).
In public areas with PSPOs, you may have to:
- keep your dog on a lead
- put your dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council
- stop your dog going to certain places - like farmland or parts of a park
- limit the number of dogs you have with you (this applies to professional dog walkers too)
- clear up after your dog
- carry a poop scoop and disposable bags
If anyone fails to meet the requirements of the PSPO or to comply with a request from authorised council officer, they could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 on prosecution.
St Albans City & District Council currently does not have any PSPOs applying to dogs in place.
General advice and guidance can be found on the Blue Cross link. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/laws-all-dog-owners-need-know
Fly tipping Toggle accordion
What it is
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items. It includes almost all waste items ranging from a single black rubbish bag to multiple loads of construction waste.
If you discover fly tipped waste after the event, please report it.
If the fly tip is obstructing the highway this should be reported to Hertfordshire Country Council using the online reporting form here
If it looks like the fly tipping might cause an immediate pollution risk to a watercourse (for example, a river or canal) call the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.
Graffiti Toggle accordion
We will remove graffiti on public land or property on request. We can also provide help and advice on removing graffiti from private property.
Our aim is for graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible, usually within five working days. Racist or obscene graffiti will be removed within 24 hours.
Fly-posting Toggle accordion
Fly-posting is the illegal display of advertising material on buildings, highways or highway land (includes street furniture, road signs, railings and grass verges) without the appropriate permissions and consent of the landowner.
Abandoned vehicles Toggle accordion
Visit the Abandoned and Unwanted Vehicles webpage.
About your street cleaning service Toggle accordion
Our waste contractor Veolia is responsible for keeping the public highway in the District clean and free from litter. This is done through routine inspections, but also by responding to reports from residents or visitors.
If a road is inspected and has fallen below the expected levels, then Veolia has a set timeframe within which to restore it to an acceptable condition. The crews are responsible for emptying litter bins as well as picking up litter, clearing spillages, removing graffiti, sweeping the road channels, amongst other tasks.
Below is a map of the street cleaning zones, a spreadsheet of how frequently areas are checked and a pictorial guide to help you when reporting an issue.
Lets Scrap fly tipping Toggle accordion
Everyone has a legal 'duty of care' to ensure your household or business waste is disposed of correctly.
You can be prosecuted even if your waste is fly tipped by someone else on your behalf. If it's your waste, it's your responsibility.
If your waste is fly tipped, by you or by someone else on your behalf, you could face a £400 fixed penalty notice or an unlimited fine.
If you witness fly tipping taking place call the police on 999 and give as much detail as possible.
Don’t confront the fly-tippers or otherwise put yourself at risk!
Information that you provide can greatly support us in our fight against this illegal activity. Record as much information as you can at the time that you find the fly tip. If you can take photos (e.g. camera phones). For advice on what information is helpful visit the Hertfordshire WasteAware partnership flytipping webpage.
All information is valuable to us and will be treated confidentially.
For more information please see the Hertfordshire WasteAware partnership
What do I need to do to dispose of business or commercial waste?
Visit GOV.UK for guidelines on how to dispose of business or commercial waste
