New Bins, Extra Crews and E-bikes to Tackle Beach Litter

Folkestone & Hythe District Council will be tackling litter this summer with new high‑capacity compactor bins, additional crews and the return of e‑bike collections at key coastal hotspots.

The initiatives form part of the #LoveYourBeach campaign, delivered in partnership with Dover District Council and waste contractor, Veolia, and aim to keep the district’s coastline clean and welcoming for residents, visitors and wildlife.

Building on the success of five solar‑powered compactor bins installed last summer, a further five bins each with the ability to hold up to 570 litres of waste will be introduced in 2026, doubling capacity at busy areas along the district’s coastline.

An additional 23 purple bulk bins, each holding up to 1,100 litres, will also be in place during peak periods to make it as easy as possible for visitors to dispose of their rubbish. Crews will also operate an increased collection schedule, emptying these bins multiple times a day when required.

Two zero‑emission e‑bike collection bikes will return during the summer months, allowing crews to access hard‑to‑reach areas that larger vehicles cannot. 

Cllr Jeremy Speakman, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Cleansing and Corporate Health and Safety said:

“Our coastline is one of the district’s greatest assets, and we are committed to protecting it. We are investing in smarter, greener ways to manage beach litter over the summer months but keeping our beaches clean is a shared responsibility.

“We encourage everyone to use the bins provided or take litter home if bins are full and help protect these special places for future generations.”

To find out more about the district’s beaches before your visit, please visit the council’s website.