08:57, 13 November 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
What if we could find out what our communities think by a simple vote using public bins?
Well, environmental action charity Hubbub has taken this small concept and made it into something big.
Introducing The Big Ballot Bin™ by Hubbub!
Since the pilot went viral back in 2023, the charity has brought it back to help venues transform their litter management systems. Not only is it a clever and fun initiative, but the trial showed a 70% decrease in littering.
When people want to throw away something, they can take part in a vote between two options, making their experience much better and it also entices pedestrians to throw things away rather than litter.
Alex Robinson, CEO at Hubbub, said: “Traditional enforcement often fails to change behaviour, but when you invite people to take part in something playful and topical, littering drops dramatically.”
We’ve seen how curiosity, conversation and competition can transform a simple act like binning rubbish into a moment people enjoy and remember. For venues and destinations, it’s proof that positive engagement can deliver real environmental impact.”
Annually, litter costs the UK over £1 billion a year to clean up. However, the Big Ballot Bin™ has shown to be 2.5% more effective than standard bins.
Hubbub is now calling on businesses in the leisure, hospitality and attraction sectors to become early adopters of the innovation. More information about the Big Ballot Bin™ or to pre-order a bin, head to www.ballotbin.co.uk
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
Hubbub. This environmental action charity delivers creative solutions to make sustainability work for people, businesses and communities. Find out more.
Keep Britain Tidy. This UK charity is dedicated to improving our streets with their campaigns surrounding littering and fly tipping. Learn more.
WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme). This global environmental NGO is on a mission to transform our broken product and food systems to create Circular Living. Explore their work.
This article aligns with the SDG Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action.
