Grit bins are provided on non-priority gritting routes where there are:
The council currently supply in excess of 330 grit bins for salt/grit storage for use on the adopted public road and footway network.
The large number of bins reflects the council's desire to encourage self help at locations where minor roads and lesser important routes have a lower priority response for mechanical treatment.
Grit bins will be refilled as soon as possible after a period of extreme weather. Given the large number of bins, there is a considerable resource implication to replenish salt/grit and this task will only be undertaken when carriageway and footway treatments have been scaled down sufficiently to release labour and plant for grit bin duties.
We cannot supply additional grit bins at locations which do not meet the criteria specified within the policy.
Salt or a mixture of salt and grit is provided solely for use on the adopted public road network and not on private areas, for example driveways etc.
We operate a strategy of leaving grit bins in place all year round. This practice is both cost effective and land efficient.
Please email us on customerservice@clacks.gov.uk at any time or telephone 01259 450000 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm).
For information on your nearest grit bin, please refer to our grit bin location map and table.
Grit bins are refilled regularly when the weather permits. To report an empty bin, please contact us.
If you are aware that excess amounts of grit are being removed by individuals, please let us know the details.
Individuals misusing salt should be directed to DIY stores and Builders Merchants to purchase salt for private use.
All our available grit bins are out on the roads at areas deemed to be of particular difficulty. No further grit bins are available for distribution at present.
If your property is on a steep gradient, sharp bend or in an awkward cul-de-sac we will consider providing a bin in the future.
Please note that the Council will only provide bins where a road has been adopted. Otherwise the developer of the site will advise on whether they will provide bins.
Contact us if you are unsure whether your road is adopted. Email roads@clacks.gov.uk.
The grit is placed to allow residents to assist in clearing public roads and footpaths to allow pedestrians and cars to get about in areas of difficulty which are not covered by the primary gritting routes.
Supplies of grit are limited and we ask residents not to use it for private paths, drives etc.
You can refer to the Met Office's Snow Code web page for useful advice and information.
You do not need to carpet an area with grit to achieve the desired effect. 'Dusting' the grit sparingly from a shovel will achieve the same effect.
Remember if you use all the grit in one area, others will be without.
Grit can be purchased from local building merchants and DIY stores. Prices are around £5.00 for a 25 kg bag.
You can refer to our online Business Directory for local outlets.
The grit in the bin is a 50/50 mixture of grit and rock salt. The grit helps with grip, particularly in snowy conditions, and the salt melts the snow and ice. However, when the surface temperatures fall below -5 degrees centigrade, the salt becomes increasingly less effective and eventually will not work at all. When the surface temperatures increase, the salt will start working again.
See our snow and grit page for more information on how road salt works.
As a result of long periods of bad weather, the Council's first priority has to be to concentrate on keeping main routes open. You can refer to our priority routes maps.
Roads, Traffic & Transportation
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: roads@clacks.gov.uk