Jack Colmer, a student at Leeds Beckett University has created a “genius” solution to the rubbish problem at Woodhouse Moor in Leeds.

“the park is regularly the subject of mass clear-up projects”

Following last week’s spell of good weather, images surfaced online of Woodhouse Moor covered in litter after students flocked to the grassland to enjoy the hot weather. 

This is not the first time that Woodhouse Moor is in the spotlight – the park is regularly the subject of mass clear-up projects following periods of good weather. Earlier this year, two students were fined after a mass snowball that broke Covid-19 rules.

However, one student has created something that he hopes will help the rubbish problem – a bin bag dispenser. 

Jack Colmer, a 22-year-old final-year university student, has built a bin bag dispenser that holds six rolls of bags, in order to make it easier for people to dispose of and take home their rubbish. The dispenser also has a bottle-opening device on the side. 


He posted a picture on the Leeds Students’ Group on Facebook, with a description of his litter solution, receiving thousands of likes and comments from people commending his efforts. 

He said: “After recent events and images appearing of Hyde Park this week, I thought I would provide a temporary solution to what seems to be a big and recurring problem.”

Colmer has also urged people to take a bin roll with them next time they go to the park to add to the dispenser.   

“I know this doesn’t solve the problem of excessive piles of litter left at the bins in the park, however, at least if it is in one place it will prevent volunteers having to go round the whole park clearing up the following day.”

After the mess left last week, a spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “The recent easing of some lockdown measures including new guidance around meeting other individuals outdoors, coupled with a spell of warm weather this week, has led to a large increase in the number of people using parks all across Leeds.”

They continued: “As a result, there has been a huge amount of litter left behind on Woodhouse Moor which is both hugely frustrating and disappointing.”

Voicing his opinion on the students who leave a mess in the park, Mr Colmer said: “the litter in the place was unacceptable and I think as a community we can do better than that.”

“Sophie was shocked when she saw the pictures from last week”

“I genuinely believe that people don’t want to litter, but they never really have the supplies or the bin bags there on the day to do it, so hopefully this will encourage people to go grab a bag and pick their stuff up.” 

Sophie Connor, a third-year student at the University of Leeds, said she is “very impressed” by Jack Colmer’s decision to build the  dispenser for Hyde Park and that she “really admires him for doing this.”

Like many others, Sophie was shocked when she saw the pictures from last week and believes that there is no excuse for it. 

“There is no excuse for it, especially when environmental destruction is still such a massive problem across the world.”

She continued: “It’s up to everyone in Leeds to work together to protect our green spaces and remind themselves that littering is harmful to the environment and to public health. We need to make sure that recycling  bins are accessible to everyone, not only in public places but also in every house and residence across the city.”

Amelia Cutting 

Featured image courtesy of the article author, Amelia Cutting. No changes have been made to this image.

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