“Install Bigger Trash Cans at Edgbaston Reservoir and Summerfield Park”.

 

Edgbaston Reservoir and Summerfield Park are two of Birmingham’s most loved community spaces. Families, children, joggers, cyclists, and nature lovers gather here daily to enjoy fresh air and green surroundings. But our parks face a serious problem: overflowing bins and litter left behind. 

When bins are too small and spill over, trash ends up on the ground, blowing into the water, damaging the environment, and harming wildlife. Foxes, birds, and other animals eat discarded food and packaging—putting their health and survival at risk. Visitors are also left with dirty, unpleasant spaces instead of clean, welcoming parks. 

Overflowing bins don’t just look bad—they’re dangerous. Plastics and rubbish can blow into the reservoir, polluting the water and harming fish and plant life. This issue is not about people caring less—it’s about not having enough proper facilities to dispose of waste responsibly. The current bins are simply too small to cope with the amount of rubbish left during busy days, especially in the summer months. Also,squirrels and rodents are scattering rubbish, creating hygiene issues.

We, the undersigned, are calling on Birmingham City Council and local authorities to:

By taking these steps, we can:
 

Why is this important?
Edgbaston Reservoir and Summerfield Park are more than just green spaces—they are community lifelines. Families gather here for picnics, children play, joggers and cyclists enjoy the paths, and nature thrives around us. But every time bins overflow, these beautiful places are spoiled with rubbish on the ground, food waste scattered everywhere, and wildlife put at risk.

It’s heartbreaking to see our parks—spaces that should bring peace and joy—turned into dumping grounds simply because the bins are too small. Bigger bins and more frequent collections are simple solutions that can make a big difference.

Why should others join?
Because this isn’t just about litter—it’s about respect. Respect for nature, respect for our community, and respect for the spaces we all share. Clean parks mean safer play areas for children, healthier homes for wildlife, and welcoming green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

What I’d say to a friend:
“I go to the reservoir and see rubbish piled up higher than the bins, food rotting on the ground, and animals scavenging in dangerous waste. It makes me sad because this is supposed to be a place where we feel proud to bring our kids, our families, and our friends. Imagine if every time you went to relax in nature, it felt like stepping into a landfill. That’s not fair to us, and it’s not fair to the wildlife that calls these parks home. That’s why I care. And that’s why I’m asking you to care too.”

Our parks are treasures—but they need our care. We urge Birmingham City Council to act now. Bigger bins that are rodent proof mean cleaner parks, healthier wildlife, and a stronger community.



OUR PARKS, OUR RESPONSIBILITY.