Flintshire County Council

Salt bins and grit heaps

We have about 500 grit bins/heaps at locations across the County.  We have individually assessed the location of the existing salt bins and salt heaps against strict criteria approved by Members.  We’ve put them in places where we know there may be problems, like steep hills, sharp bends and difficult junctions.

These bins are not there to provide grit for private footways and drives. Please only use them for footways and where there is a problem on the road.

Why is my local salt bin empty?

Our Winter Maintenance Policy requires each salt bin to be refilled at the beginning of winter and during January. All salt bins will be filled at the start of the winter season and refilled again following severe weather conditions, subject to the availability of rocksalt and only if required.

Unfortunately local residents are experiencing real difficulties because some people are stealing grit or using it inappropriately.  This problem occurs across the County and we carry out inspections to monitor the situation.  Where we know this is occurring regularly we will not re-fill the bins.  If you do see people emptying large amounts of salt from these bins or think we have missed the bin please notify us with as much information as possible e.g description of persons, vehicle registration etc.

The extra coarse grit used in these bins can damage private driveways which are not as durable as road surfaces so anyone using it may end up paying out for driveway repairs in the long run.  If you are employing someone to grit your driveway ask them where the grit has come from.  Suitable grit can be purchased from most local DIY/hardware stores or builders merchants (new window).

If you are caught stealing grit you will be prosecuted.

Will the County Council be providing any more grit bins?

Each grit bin costs £135 to install and £60 to fill.  We are having to make unprecedented savings in the next few years so funding is extremely limited.  We will consider requests for new salt bins at known trouble spots on the public highway if they are needed and resources are available.  Any new sites will be required to meet the criteria for the provision of salt bins as specified in the Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy.

All Community Councils will be able to purchase salt bins and rock salt from Streetscene Services with the intention of supplementing the Authorities Winter Maintenance Service to the benefit of the general public.  The salt bins purchased by Community Councils and placed upon the adopted highway with the prior approval of Streetscene Services will be distinguishable from Streetscene salt bins and will be maintained by the Community Councils.

My local grit bin has been vandalised, can you help?

Often grit bins become the focus of vandalism or anti-social behaviour. If this becomes an unbearable nuisance, you can ask us to remove the bin. Other residents will need to agree.

Further information

View ‘Gritting – frequently asked questions’ for further information

To report an empty grit bin or one that has been vandalised please call 01352 701234