Lambeth Council to restore missing bins after Clapham High Street outcry
Around a dozen bins removed in June as part of a borough-wide street-cleaning upgrade have not been replaced
Incident → evidence → outcomeLambeth Council will reinstall litter bins on Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road after removing around a dozen in June. The disappearance, part of a borough-wide street-cleaning upgrade, left residents without replacements for over a month.
Local councillors Patrick O’Donnell and Nadia Burrell raised the issue after constituents reported bins missing near Clapham Common, Clapham North Tube station and Wandsworth Road. O’Donnell, who represents Clapham Town ward, said the council had not provided a clear explanation despite six emails and a letter to the cabinet member.
Councillors launch petition
Frustrated by the lack of response, the two Labour councillors launched a petition demanding the bins be reinstated. They also posted photographs on Instagram on 3 August, showing empty bin bays. The post has since attracted more than 10,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
“People might think, ‘why are you making a fuss about bins? There’s so many problems in the world’. But this is one of the most basic things that people expect their councils to do.”
Burrell, who represents Stockwell West and Larkhall ward, said the areas see heavy footfall throughout the day and night. She added that visitors to Clapham and Stockwell expect bins to be available, particularly near transport hubs.
Council apologises for delay
A Lambeth Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the bin removals were part of a planned improvement programme under the council’s waste and street-cleaning contract with Serco, signed in 2021. The programme began in April 2026.
The spokesperson apologised for the delay in installing new bins and said the council would work with contractors to prevent similar issues in future. They confirmed the number of bins and collection frequency would remain unchanged, though some locations may be adjusted based on resident feedback.
What happens next
The council has not set a date for when the bins will be reinstalled. Residents can follow updates on the councillors’ Instagram account or sign the petition calling for their return. The petition remains open for signatures.
Questions this report answers
01Why were the bins removed from Clapham High Street?
Lambeth Council removed around a dozen bins in June as part of a borough-wide street-cleaning improvement programme. The council said the bins would be replaced but apologised for delays in reinstalling them.
02How many bins were taken away?
Residents and councillors reported approximately 12 bins missing from Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road. The council confirmed the total number will be restored under its contract with Serco.
03What are councillors doing about the missing bins?
Councillors Patrick O’Donnell and Nadia Burrell launched a petition and an Instagram campaign after the council failed to respond to their inquiries. The petition calls for the bins to be reinstated immediately.
04When will the bins be put back?
Lambeth Council has not provided a date for when the bins will be reinstalled. The council said it would work with contractors to prevent further delays.
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