We the undersigned ask Thanet District Council to increase bins (every 50 metres)  at Botany Bay and Walpole Bay in Margate and empty beachside bins at a later time in the evening to prevent rubbish being blown onto beaches overnight, and to only use large bins along Margate main sands to prevent overfilling of bins.

 Statistics from the Marine Conservation Society report that beach litter in the UK has risen significantly over the years, with plastic waste being the predominant component, accounting for nearly 80% of all litter. Thanet is no exception to this troubling trend. Discarded plastic bags, bottles, fishing nets, and other waste threaten wildlife as well as pets of local residents who regularly use the beaches.

In 2018, Thanet council collected over 5 tonnes of litter from isle parks, streets and beaches, some 3.5 tonnes of that was just from beaches. Workers also cleared 100 tonnes of fly-tipped rubbish, emptied 900 tonnes of rubbish from bins and cleared 840,00 tonnes of detritus during street sweeping.

This waste impacts the lives of both tourists and local residents, making the beaches a less relaxed environment for all, with many having to take their rubbish home with them or, leaving it on the beach if they cannot find a bin, especially those who may not know the area well enough to be able to access local facilities. 

By signing this petition, you are supporting a vital cause that calls for clean and beautiful beaches in Thanet, that we can all enjoy, promoting a sustainable environment that benefits all. Together, we can drive change and safeguard our natural landscapes. 1,500 signatures are needed for this to be debated at council!!

Please sign to help promote clean and safe beaches!