Sheffield’s parks are about to get cleaner and greener as new litter bins are installed at 20 different locations across the city.
But, these are no ordinary bins. Each bin also comes with equipment and information to help volunteers to effectively collect and arrange for disposal of the litter from their park.
Each new litter bin comes with adult and junior-sized litter-pickers, poop-scoops, litter sacks and gloves.
Friends groups and volunteers have easy access to the equipment by a special key. Keys will be held by the local Friends Group whose details will be on the bin. People who want to volunteer more frequently can also have their own key by contacting Parks and Countryside. The waste can easily be disposed of in the new bins, which are frequently emptied by parks staff. If a lot of litter is collected, people can contact Parks and Countryside on the number provided in the equipment compartment and they will remove the sacks.
Equipment will be replenished on a routine basis to make sure those who want to help keep their park tidy can do so as and when it is convenient for them.
Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “With more than 800 parks, woodlands and green spaces across Sheffield, it can be very challenging to keep them all clean and tidy.
“We’re extremely proud of our parks and green spaces and I know that many residents are too. I can’t thank those, who contribute to keeping our parks litter-free, enough and I’m very pleased that we have been able to provide these new bins and equipment to make this easier for people.”
The first bin to be installed was at Firth Park and the Friends Group, who work hard to keep the park tidy, have already started using the new equipment.
Sarah Hardy, Vice-Treasurer of Friends of Firth Park and Secretary of Sheffield Green Spaces Forum, said: “At our last litter pick we collected 15 bags from the woods so having these resources makes a real difference. The new bins and equipment are a brilliant idea, making it easier for Friends of, and other community groups, to help take care of the parks that are so important within our communities.” 
Litter pickers from Friends of Firth Park
The Parks and Countryside service were able to commission the bins thanks to procurement savings made by the Council’s Insurance Team.
Installation of the litter bins has been approved at 20 sites including Rolling Acres, Firth Park, Parkwood Springs, Shirebrook Valley, Meersbrook Park, Richmond Park, South St Park, Stannington Park, Concord Park, Gleadless Valley, Jaunty Park (The Craggs), Wincobank Hill, Tongue Gutter, Mather Road Park, Ponderosa, Bingham Park, Ruskin Park, Waterthorpe Park and Spider Park.
Some of the bins have already been installed and the remaining are expected to be available soon. Friends Of and community groups will be notified as and when they are installed.
The Parks and Countryside service will monitor how well the new bins are working and if any further funding becomes available, may look at some additional locations.
Anyone who would like more information about using the new equipment can contact Parks and Countryside on 01142 500500.
Visit the Sheffield City Council website for more about Sheffield Parks and Countryside.
