Byker – A Future for a Proud Community

Let’s Tackle Waste Together

Byker, with its iconic Wall and vibrant community spirit, is a place residents are proud to call home. Yet, like many inner-city areas, it faces ongoing challenges, particularly when it comes to waste management. Fly-tipping, litter, and concerns about recycling rates are issues that affect us all.

This briefing blog aims to shed light on these challenges, compare our situation with a similar community, and highlight how, together, we can build on the significant investments already made to create an even prouder, cleaner Byker.

 

The Unwanted Landscape: Fly-Tipping and Litter in Byker

 

We know the sight: dumped mattresses, overflowing bins, and general litter blighting our back lanes and green spaces. This isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a significant and ongoing issue for Byker. Newcastle City Council, like many local authorities, spends considerable resources dealing with thousands of fly-tipping incidents each year.

 

How Does Byker Compare? A Look at Hulme, Manchester

 

To understand our challenges and potential solutions, it’s helpful to look at other communities that have faced similar journeys. Hulme in Manchester is a compelling comparison: another inner-city area with a legacy of regeneration and a significant proportion of social housing, much like Byker.

Here’s a side-by-side look:

Metric Byker (Newcastle upon Tyne) Hulme (Manchester)
Housing Profile Predominantly social housing (e.g., iconic Byker Wall). Low homeownership (approx. 22%). High proportion of renters (approx. 78%). Largely social housing estate rebuilt after 1990s regeneration. Mix of housing types (terraced, apartments) by various social landlords. Aimed for mixed-tenure, but social housing remains significant.
Socio-economic Profile Inner-city, diverse area. Average household income around £31,900. Approx. 90% employed. Most popular industry: Human health. Faces challenges typical of post-industrial regeneration areas. Inner-city, diverse area with significant regeneration history. High proportion of young adults (due to proximity to universities). Historically socio-economically challenged, but regeneration aimed to improve this.
Diversity (Ethnic) Approx. 71% White (English, Welsh, Scottish, NI), 10% Black, 20% Other Ethnicities. Highly diverse. Significant student population adds to churn. Known for a multicultural mix, reflecting Manchester’s broader diversity. (Specific current percentages vary but consistently diverse).
Diversity (Religious) Approx. 42% Christian, 44% No Religion. (Specific data for Hulme ward not always granularly available, but Manchester overall is diverse. Likely to reflect similar trends to Byker with strong ‘No Religion’ presence alongside various faiths).
Age Profile Higher proportion of younger adults. High proportion of younger adults and students.
General Crime Rates Relatively high crime rate nationally. May 2025 (Byker & Walker police ward): 615 incidents. Top crimes: Violence/sexual offences (32.7%), Anti-social behaviour (18.9%). (Hulme & Moss Side police ward): May 2025: 418 incidents. Top crimes: Violence and sexual offences (42.6%), Anti-social behaviour (15.1%), Shoplifting (10.3%). Hulme has seen reductions in serious crime post-regeneration but still faces issues.
Fly-Tipping & Litter Significant and ongoing issue, often described as “crisis levels.” Problems with general household waste, mattresses, etc., in back lanes. Newcastle City (overall) dealt with 20,412 incidents in 2022/23 (8th highest in England). Historically a major problem, especially in high-density areas and back alleys. Manchester City Council has put significant effort into tackling this with specific enforcement teams, “bin-doctor” initiatives, and CCTV. Ongoing challenges in some areas.
Recycling Rates Newcastle City (overall) recycling rate 2022/23: 32.7%. Commercial waste services like “Max Recycle” in Byker offer Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR). Manchester City (overall) household recycling rate 2022/23: 35.7%. (Slightly higher than Newcastle, but still below national average). Has implemented various bin schemes (e.g., separate food waste, paper/card, plastics/cans/glass).
CCTV & Security Measures Significant investment in CCTV, often funded by Safer Streets Fund. Cameras in hotspots, parks, key roads. Aims: deter crime (inc. fly-tipping), aid prosecution, increase safety. Extensive use of CCTV as part of urban security and regeneration strategies. Often integrated into major public realm improvements. Used for monitoring crime and anti-social behaviour, including waste offences.
Perception of CCTV Mixed reactions. Many welcome increased safety/deterrence. Others raise privacy concerns, “Big Brother” feeling, and questions about true effectiveness vs. displacement. Authorities often state it’s in response to resident requests. (General for urban CCTV) Similar mixed reactions. Often seen as a necessary security tool in areas with a history of crime, but privacy concerns remain. Public perception tied to visible results in crime reduction and enforcement.
Community Engagement Highly structured engagement via Karbon Homes (formerly Byker Community Trust). Dedicated teams, formal panels (Scrutiny, Partnership Group), Estate Walkabouts, litter picks, TRAs. Focus on tenant voice and management partnership. Strong history of community engagement stemming from its original radical regeneration model. Active community groups (e.g., Hulme Community Garden Centre, other local forums). Manchester City Council works with residents on environmental issues and recycling.
“Same Bin” Recycling Skepticism Present. Newcastle’s overall lower rate may indicate less trust or understanding. Efforts by commercial waste carriers (e.g., Max Recycle) to explain Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR). DMR involves all accepted recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals) being placed into one bin for collection and then sorted at a dedicated facility. Present, despite higher city-wide recycling rate. Manchester’s slightly higher rate suggests more buy-in than Newcastle, but skepticism about complexity or what happens “after the bin” can still exist. The varied bin system (separate food waste, paper/card) might alleviate some “all mixed” fears.

 

The Hidden Cost of Low Recycling: What We’re Losing

 

Low recycling rates don’t just mean more rubbish; they mean higher costs for Newcastle City Council. Every tonne of waste sent to landfill incurs a significant Landfill Tax (currently over £100 per tonne), plus additional disposal fees. When we don’t recycle, more waste goes to landfill, directly increasing these costs.

While some residents may be in receipt of 100% Council Tax Reduction and therefore not feel a direct personal financial impact from potential Council Tax increases, the cost to the council is very real. This isn’t just about money “lost”; it’s about lost opportunities for our community.

When millions of pounds are diverted to dealing with preventable waste issues, that’s money that can not be invested in other vital services and improvements that directly benefit Byker residents. Imagine if those funds could instead go towards:

  • Upgrading our playgrounds and parks, making them safer and more fun for our children.
  • Funding more youth clubs and activities to give young people positive things to do.
  • Improving our local community centres with new facilities or more classes.
  • Making our streets greener and more pleasant with more trees and cleaner pavements.
  • Better support services for vulnerable residents.

Every extra pound spent on cleaning up dumped rubbish or sending recyclable waste to landfill is a pound that isn’t available for the improvements we all want to see in Byker.

 

Byker’s Top Priorities and the £11 Million Investment

 

Byker residents have consistently voiced their top priorities for council services, focusing heavily on environmental quality and cleanliness (including waste management and safe open spaces), and safety and tackling anti-social behaviour.

In direct response to these concerns, Karbon Homes, which manages the Byker Wall Estate, embarked on a substantial £11 million environmental improvement programme. This massive investment specifically targeted what residents asked for: installing new communal bin stores, enhancing recycling facilities, creating safe play areas, and improving landscaping and fencing. This was a clear demonstration of investment in the community, for the community.

 

Now, It’s Our Turn: A Call to Action for Byker

 

With this significant investment, the narrative shifts. It’s no longer just about the council or housing provider doing everything; it’s about a partnership. Residents of Byker have voiced that environmental cleanliness and safe spaces are their top priorities, and the £11 million programme was a direct response to that. Now, with these substantial improvements in place, it’s our collective responsibility to do our bit.

Here’s how we can all contribute to a cleaner, prouder Byker:

  • Recycle Right: Use the improved recycling facilities. Understand what goes into Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) – paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals can all go into one bin. If you’re unsure, check the guidelines from Karbon Homes or Newcastle City Council.
  • Dispose of Waste Properly: Ensure all household waste is in bins with lids and placed out at the correct times.
  • Report Fly-Tipping: Don’t turn a blind eye. Report fly-tipping incidents to Newcastle City Council. The faster it’s reported, the faster it can be dealt with.
  • Take Pride in Our Streets: Even small actions like picking up a piece of litter can make a difference.

Every item correctly placed in one of the newly improved recycling facilities or designated bins contributes to preserving this investment. Ensuring waste is properly contained and not left for fly-tippers not only keeps our community clean but protects the very improvements we fought for.

 

Towards a Brighter Future for Byker

 

The journey to a cleaner Byker, free from the blight of fly-tipping and litter, began with significant investment from our housing providers and council. This investment, totalling £11 million in environmental improvements, shows a clear commitment to the priorities residents raised. Now, that commitment needs to be matched by collective action. By taking personal responsibility for our waste, embracing proper recycling, and reporting issues, we don’t just ‘do our bit’ – we actively participate in maintaining and building on the improvements we fought for, ensuring a healthier, prouder, and more vibrant Byker for everyone.