Partnership Clean-Up in Newtown Collects Over 20 Tonnes of Waste

A large-scale clean-up operation in the Newtown area of Southampton has resulted in the removal of more than 20 tonnes of waste in a single day, thanks to a collaborative effort between Southampton City Council and industry partners.

The clean-up, which took place on Saturday 5 July, was delivered in partnership with Balfour Beatty, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), and Clancy, as part of an initiative to create cleaner, safer streets and foster greater pride in the local community.

In total, 23 tonnes of waste were collected from streets and pavements using a 26-tonne refuse collection vehicle and a 7.5-tonne cage vehicle. Items removed included overfilled bins, rubbish bags, contaminated recycling, fly-tipped waste, and bulky items such as mattresses and furniture.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Southampton City Council, joined the team on the ground to assist with the clean-up and praised the collaborative approach.

“This is a great example of what we can achieve when partners work together for the good of the communities we live and work in,” he said. “I want to thank everyone involved – the crews on the ground, the teams behind the scenes, and the residents who showed their support.”

Councillor Keogh also highlighted the importance of community responsibility and warned of the consequences of improper waste disposal.

“While it’s fantastic to see what a difference a day like this can make, the truth is that it shouldn’t be needed. We all have a part to play in taking pride in our communities – keeping bins tidy, disposing of waste responsibly and reporting fly-tipping when we see it. Dumping rubbish is illegal and carries serious consequences, but more than that, it damages the places that we live. Together we can do better – and we will.”

The clean-up was supported by SSEN and Clancy, who are currently delivering a £16 million project to upgrade underground electricity cables between Woodmill Lane and the city centre. As part of their commitment to social value, both companies are engaging in local volunteer and environmental initiatives.

“We’re proud to support the communities we work in,” said Ken Li, Project Manager at SSEN. “This project is a great example of how we can make a tangible difference through teamwork and partnerships. Our teams care about doing the right thing and it was a privilege to be able to help and support, and work alongside both the council and Balfour Beatty to help improve the local environment in Newtown. Long may it continue!”

Residents are reminded that fly-tipping is a criminal offence, and failure to contain or properly dispose of household waste may result in enforcement action. The council encourages residents to use their designated wheelie bins, communal bins, and the Household Waste and Recycling Centre, or to book a collection through the council’s Bulky Waste collection service.

Fly-tipping can be reported quickly and easily via the council’s website.

This clean-up is one of several initiatives by Southampton City Council to work with partners, businesses, and residents to build cleaner, greener and more welcoming neighbourhoods across the city.