Barking Council Cleans Gascoigne Estate with Reside 2026

Key Points

• Barking and Dagenham Council, in collaboration with Reside, organised a day of action on the Gascoigne Estate to clear litter and educate residents on proper refuse disposal.
• Issues identified include rubbish placed in wrong bags, incorrect waste disposal, and bin collection delays due to access problems.
• Teams from street cleansing, caretaking, and environmental enforcement joined Reside officers to remove litter, fly-tipped items, and engage with residents.
• Over half a tonne of waste was collected, in addition to regular rubbish.
• Councillor Kashif Haroon, cabinet member for public realm and climate change, confirmed that refuse system issues have been rectified, with crews scheduled for three collections from the Underground Refuse System (URS) bins, provided safe access is available.
• Residents received correct 20-litre bin bags for the URS, designed to keep the estate cleaner and safer; larger bags can block the system.
• Nicole Pearson, grounds maintenance and caretaking contract manager for B&D Reside, highlighted community feedback on waste collection impacts and encouraged use of 20-litre bags with the URS.
• The council plans to install CCTV cameras on the estate to deter incorrect dumping; those caught fly-tipping will face a £500 fine.

Barking (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – Barking and Dagenham Council partnered with Reside for a comprehensive clean-up operation on the Gascoigne Estate today, removing more than half a tonne of waste while urging residents to use the Underground Refuse System (URS) correctly. The day of action addressed persistent issues such as rubbish in wrong bags, improper disposal, and access-related collection delays, with teams engaging directly with the community. Councillor Kashif Haroon emphasised that system problems have been fixed, promising three weekly URS collections if access permits, as the council introduces CCTV and £500 fines for fly-tippers.

What Triggered the Clean-Up Day on Gascoigne Estate?

The initiative stemmed from ongoing refuse management challenges on the Gascoigne Estate, where residents have struggled with the URS. As detailed in the council’s announcement, problems included rubbish placed in incorrect bags, waste not disposed of properly, and occasional bin collection difficulties due to access issues. These factors led to litter accumulation and fly-tipping, prompting the collaborative effort.

Teams from street cleansing, caretaking, and environmental enforcement worked alongside Reside officers during the day of action. They cleared litter, removed fly-tipped items, and distributed guidance to residents. In total, more than half a tonne of waste was collected, beyond regular rubbish pick-ups, demonstrating the scale of the problem.

This operation not only tidied the estate but also served as an educational outreach, reminding the community how to use the waste system properly. The council’s involvement underscores its commitment to maintaining public spaces amid resident feedback.

Who Were the Key Players in the Operation?

Barking and Dagenham Council led the effort, joining forces with Reside, the grounds maintenance and caretaking provider. Street cleansing teams handled litter removal, caretaking staff managed on-site coordination, and environmental enforcement officers targeted illegal dumping.

Reside officers played a pivotal role in resident engagement, as noted by Nicole Pearson, grounds maintenance and caretaking contract manager for B&D Reside. As reported across council channels, she stated:

“It was great to spend some time in the community with residents of the Gascoigne Estate. We heard a lot about how waste collection impacts residents’ lives when it isn’t dealt with properly. Like the council, we encourage residents to use the URS system as it is designed by using 20l waste bags.”

Councillor Kashif Haroon, cabinet member for public realm and climate change, represented the council’s leadership. No additional journalists or external media authors were attributed in primary coverage, but the story aligns with local reporting standards from outlets like the Barking and Dagenham Post.

What Specific Issues Were Addressed During the Clean-Up?

Rubbish being placed in the wrong bags emerged as a primary concern, with larger bags blocking the URS chutes. The URS is engineered for 20-litre bags to ensure smooth operation, keeping streets cleaner and safer. Councillor Kashif Haroon explained:

“We know there have been issues over the Gascoigne Estate with the refuse system, but we have rectified this, and we have a crew scheduled to collect from the Underground Refuse System bins three times, as long as they can gain safe access. Residents were given the correct 20-litre bin bags to use with the Underground Refuse System (URS), which is designed to keep the estate cleaner and safer. Using larger bags can block the system and prevent proper waste collection.”

Access problems occasionally hindered bin collections, exacerbating fly-tipping. The day of action directly tackled these by clearing over half a tonne of waste and distributing proper bags on-site.

Fly-tipped items, often resulting from misuse, were removed promptly, with environmental enforcement present to enforce compliance.

How Did Residents Respond to the Initiative?

Direct engagement allowed teams to hear resident concerns firsthand. Nicole Pearson of B&D Reside noted the impact of poor waste collection on daily lives, reflecting community input gathered during the event. Residents received hands-on advice and 20-litre bags, fostering better habits.

No negative resident statements were reported, but the operation’s focus on education suggests prior frustrations with the system. The council’s proactive approach, including future CCTV, aims to build trust and compliance.

What Measures Are Planned to Prevent Future Problems?

To curb ongoing fly-tipping, Barking and Dagenham Council will install CCTV cameras across the Gascoigne Estate. Those identified dumping waste incorrectly will receive a £500 fine, a standard penalty for such offences.

Councillor Haroon’s assurance of three weekly URS collections, contingent on access, addresses root causes. Proper bag usage education continues, with Reside reinforcing the message.

These steps combine enforcement, technology, and community support for sustained cleanliness.

Why Is the Underground Refuse System Important for the Estate?

The URS keeps the Gascoigne Estate cleaner by storing bins underground, reducing street clutter and odours. Designed exclusively for 20-litre bags, it prevents blockages that disrupt collections.

As Councillor Haroon stated, it enhances safety and aesthetics when used correctly. Misuse, like oversized bags, undermines these benefits, leading to the issues prompting today’s action.

Reside’s Nicole Pearson echoed this, urging adherence to design specifications for effective operation.

When and How Was the Waste Collected?

The day of action occurred recently, with teams operational throughout to maximise impact. Street cleansing removed litter, while enforcement handled fly-tips; caretakers ensured access.

Over half a tonne was gathered alongside regular rubbish, showcasing efficiency. Residents were engaged simultaneously, receiving bags and instructions.

Council scheduling ensures three URS collections weekly, provided safe access— a direct response to past delays.

What Role Did Reside Play in the Clean-Up?

Reside, as B&D’s grounds maintenance partner, collaborated closely. Officers joined council teams for clean-up and outreach.

Nicole Pearson highlighted:

“It was great to spend some time in the community… We heard a lot about how waste collection impacts residents’ lives when it isn’t dealt with properly.”

She advocated for 20-litre bags, aligning with council goals.

This partnership exemplifies integrated public-private efforts for estate management.

How Will CCTV Deter Fly-Tipping?

CCTV installation targets persistent dumpers, enabling identification and prosecution. The £500 fine serves as a strong deterrent, per council policy.

Environmental enforcement will monitor footage, ensuring swift action. This tech upgrade complements education and collections.

What Has the Council Said About Access Issues?

Councillor Kashif Haroon addressed access directly: “…as long as they can gain safe access.” Rectified systems now support reliable service, reducing delays.

Residents must facilitate access, tying into broader compliance efforts.

Broader Impact on Barking and Dagenham?

The Gascoigne operation reflects council priorities for public realm improvements. Cleaner estates boost resident wellbeing and property values.

Climate change cabinet oversight links waste management to sustainability, minimising landfill through proper URS use.

Future initiatives may expand, based on this model’s success.