Partnership clean-up in Newtown collects over 20 tonnes of waste
A collaborative clean-up effort by Southampton City Council, Balfour Beatty, Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), and Clancy transformed the Newtown area, collecting over 20 tonnes of waste and promoting cleaner, safer streets for residents
On Saturday 5 July 2025, Southampton City Council, Balfour Beatty, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and Clancy joined forces to carry out a large-scale clear-up operation in the Newtown area of the city, collecting more than 20 tonnes of waste in just one day.
Supporting cleaner, safer streets for all and encouraging pride in the local area, the initiative saw teams working across the neighbourhood to tackle litter as well as fly-tipped waste. 23 tonnes of waste from streets and pavements was removed using a 26 tonne refuse collection vehicle and a 7.5 tonne cage vehicle. The waste collected was a mixture of overfilled bins, fly-tipped items, contaminated recycling bins, rubbish bags on pavements, and bulky waste such as mattresses and discarded furniture.
The clean-up was supported by Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Southampton City Council, who joined the dedicated team to help on the day: “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. I want to thank everyone involved – the crews on the ground, the teams behind the scenes and the residents who showed their support. While it’s fantastic to see what a difference a day like this can make, the truth is that is 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 this work, both companies are committed to supporting the communities they work in through volunteering and social value initiatives.
Ken Li, Project Manager at SSEN said: “We’re proud to support the communities we work in, and 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 overflowing and uncontained rubbish risks enforcement action. Everyone is encouraged to ensure their household rubbish is safely stored in their wheelie bins, or communal bins, and to use their local Household Waste and Recycling Centre, as well as the council's Bulky Waste collection service when needed. Fly-tipping can be reported quickly and easily online.
This successful clean-up is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration, and the council is proud to have come together with partners to support the Newtown community. Southampton City Council continues to work with businesses, local organisations and residents to create cleaner, greener and more welcoming neighbourhoods across the city.
