Concerns have been raised over an "insufficient" number of bins across the county as more litter is generated amid the pandemic.

At least 9,500 public bins are located in Kent, but some have been left "overflowing" in country parks and on residential streets.

Some councillors say more people have been throwing away disposable cups used for coffee and tea bought from takeaway businesses amid lockdown.

District and borough councils are chiefly responsible for emptying and purchasing bins.

Out of 11 Kent councils, Medway has the highest number of bins in the county, a total of 2,100, with each costing around £25. Meanwhile, Dartford's borough authority owns the smallest number of bins, 450, but spends around £500.

Three other councils own over 1,000 litter bins, including 1,092 in Swale; 1,200 in Sevenoaks, 1,205 in Canterbury and 1,250 across Tonbridge and Malling.

Cllr Trudy Dean (Lib Dem), of Tonbridge and Malling council, said the number of litter bins in parts of Kent are "not sufficient", particularly in country parks.

Cllr Dean, who lives near the 52-acre Manor Park in West Malling, said: "Certainly there are places where bins are not sufficient as people have changed habits during the pandemic.

"When people are going out, as they do more and more in lockdown to get fresh air and exercise, they are having coffee or tea in a single used cup. Bins are becoming full and overflowing with just that."

Residents have been urged to take their litter home with them as other Kent councils own far less public bins, with just 475 in Thanet; 616 in Gravesham; 700 in Maidstone; 777 in Dover and 946 in Ashford.

The cost varies for each authority depending on the size, shape, material and type of bin used.

Ashford Borough Council's deputy leader Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) said some staff are working overtime to clear rubbish from bins on weekends.

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Hotspots include Repton Park and Repton Manor Primary School to the north of the town. Cllr Bartlett said: "Bins get filled up quickly and overflow.

"Some people are using takeaway coffees from local cafes, but are not always taking their rubbish home with them. That causes the bins to fill up."

Data has not been provided by Tunbridge Wells and Folkestone councils.

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