Rail Authority Agrees To Act Following Residents’ Outcry Over Litter Menace

Published on: 28 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 28 Sep, 2026

The litter problem at Box Hill. Picture: David Farmery

By James Moules

local democracy reporting service

The Southern rail authority has confirmed it will return the bins to the railway station at a Surrey beauty spot, just weeks after there was a local outcry over litter piling up on its platforms.

The rail operator removed the bins at Box Hill and Westhumble earlier this summer, a move which was reportedly to bring it into line with recycling regulations.

But residents and visitors voiced fury at mountains of rubbish that built up across the platforms in the absence of any bins at the station.

Photographs from July shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) showed all manner of rubbish strewn over the platforms – including wrappers and beer bottles.

At the time, the rail operator said it wanted to encourage passengers to recycle appropriately, and that more staff would be deployed to pick up the litter.

However, the rail authority has now confirmed that bins will be brought back to Box Hill and Westhumble station following a review of footfall and litter volumes.

A spokesperson told the LDRS: “We know this has been an issue of concern for our local residents, and we hugely appreciate the feedback that has been shared with us.

“We’re pleased to be able to move forward with a solution which will allow bins to return to the station.”

They revealed a parking space will be repurposed into a waste collection area, featuring separate general waste, mixed recycling and food waste spots to comply with regulations.

Westhumble resident David Farmery, who was campaigning for the bins to be returned, told the LDRS he is pleased that the rail operator has heard residents’ concerns.

He said: “I am delighted that Southern have taken on board feedback received from the community, including our MP and fellow residents and that common sense has prevailed.”