The return of Tidyman – how branding can help reduce littering

There are some logos and signs that are universally recognised - from Coca Cola through to public toilets. At Amberol, we believe that clear signage and consistent branding are an important part of an effective strategy to reduce littering, and so we were interested to hear about the recent re-branding of a familiar litter logo.

One of the best known signs in litter collection is the Tidyman logo found on a variety of packaging which instructs the user to dispose of the material carefully and thoughtfully. The sign is a reminder to be a good citizen, encouraging disposal of an item in the most appropriate manner.

The Tidyman symbol was first introduced in 1972, but in 2010 was replaced by a green man throwing away waste. However, the UK’s leading anti-litter charity Keep Britain Tidy has now reverted to the original branding in recognition of the logo’s iconic status. According to research by Keep Britain Tidy, more than eight out of ten adults recognise the Tidyman and its meaning, nearly four times more than the vegetarian symbol.

Despite being a widely recognised symbol, litter remains a large problem across the UK. The charity has re-introduced Tidyman as part of a new messaging campaign to ensure that everyone in the UK not only understands what the symbol stands for, but also actively follows the Tidyman example.

Customise your bins

All of the anti-litter symbols are designed to help clean up the UK and cut the costs of clearing the tonnes of litter dropped every day. However, instead of relying on packaging alone to inform the public of how to properly dispose of their waste, the bin itself can be used as a reminder.

Litter bins need to be clearly visible so that people can spot them. This is where colour and signage can help. Amberol bins come in a range of colours so you can make your bins stand out. All our bins come with WRAP approved signage and colour coding for recycling bins which encourages people to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly.

We can also add additional logos and signage as required – including local council branding, adverts or logos from business sponsors. Amberol bins have helped a number of councils and communities to tackle litter issues. You can find out how we’ve helped by looking at our client case studies.

Call 01773 830 930 or email sales@amberol.co.uk for more information about how we can help you clean up.