Grit bins and salt bags

Grit bins are provided on roads that are not normally treated at known troublespots such as steep hills and frost hollows. They are intended for use on the public highway and not on private drives and paths.

Report a problem with a grit bin

Grit bins are re-filled when we are made aware that they are empty, so please report an empty bin to us. You can also report a damaged bin or a bin with contents that are unusable.

Alternatively, you can contact the Roads and Transport team on 0345 155 1004. You will need to provide a clear location and if there is a label inside the bin lid please also provide the reference number found on the label.

There are approximately 3500 grit bins in Devon and whilst we try and keep them all well stocked we cannot be everywhere at once. Please be patient, we will refill grit bins in a group in areas, for efficiency reasons.

Requests for new grit bins

Grit bins are an expensive facility to manage and maintain, but provide a useful means of self-help in the community. It is important that the use and value of existing grit bins in an area is reviewed before additional bins are considered.

Grit bins will be sited off the primary salting network in most cases and at known trouble spots, usually in urban areas, but also in some rural locations where particularly difficult conditions exist.

They will only be considered on the primary salting network at railway level crossings (grit only) or at known trouble-spots on urban footways and should only be located where they do not present an unreasonable hazard to other highway users and can be safely accessed.

If you would like to request a new grit bin please contact our Customer Service Centre who will be able to process your enquiry.