An image obtained by the Free Press on January 23 showed a gated off area of Octagon Parade in the centre of town.
The mess is just a few metres away from the entrance of the town’s Travelodge hotel, which is visited by hundreds of people every year.
The litter consists of numerous bin bags, disused drink cans, bottles, and a handful of nitrous oxide cannisters.
The latter, in 2023, was legally named as a Class C drug.
READ MORE: Large amount of waste dumped BY public bin as fly-tipping investigation is launched
It is one of the many examples of the high levels of litter that have impacted the town for the last year
Many people took to social media to share their thoughts on the waste being dumped in the centre of town.
Mavis Rouse said: “Why on earth can’t people take it home with them?
“I assume they all have bin collections, so no great effort needed.”
Lu Le Beare said: Unfortunately, it is not just a High Wycombe problem – it is a whole country issue.
“We need to restore this poor country.
“Just been out and about driving today and every road, lay-by and space is covered in litter, fly tipping and all sorts.”
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Tony Whitehead said: “One of the dirtiest towns in the most litter-strewn country of Europe.”
During 2025, the Free Press regularly reported on the ongoing litter issues that have blighted the town and its neighbouring villages, but the problem seems to be continuing.
High Wycombe’s mayor, Majid Hussain, said that town ‘deserves better’ and called the high amounts of trash being dumped an ‘embarrassment’ for the town centre.
He told the Free Press: “I share the deep frustration and anger of residents over this situation.
“This is a clear eyesore and an embarrassment for the town centre, particularly in an area regularly used by visitors, shoppers and tourists.
“No one should be greeted by rotting waste when they arrive in our town, and it is incredibly disappointing that a small number of people continue to show such blatant disregard for our community and environment.
READ MORE: Does High Wycombe have a fly-tipping and litter problem?
“Those responsible must be held accountable, and I would urge residents to play their part by reporting fly‑tipping and waste dumping whenever they see it, rather than walking past it in frustration.”
Following the public backlash, Travelodge has confirmed that the land where the waste is doesn’t belong to them, but they will work with the owner to get the matter resolved.
They said: “The maintenance of our properties is a priority, and we strive to provide a safe and clean environment for our guests and the local community.
READ MORE: ‘Wycombe deserves better’ – Town described as ‘neglected’ with litter and long grass
“This alleyway is not owned or managed by Travelodge, but we are raising the issue of littering with the owner.”
Buckinghamshire Council said: Ade Osibogun is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste. He said:
“This horrible and unsightly mess is on a privately owned service road, and we have been investigating to determine responsibility and get it cleared.
“We are just as appalled as residents when rubbish like this is dumped in any location, particularly in one of our town centres, in a place where visitors will see it too.
“Littering and dumping rubbish are selfish environmental crimes.
“People who litter our town centres, villages and roadside verges don’t seem to care about the blight on these areas, or the cost to the taxpayer of clearing up after them when these crimes take place on public land.
“We have introduced the highest possible penalties to deter people from this kind of activity and will always seek to prosecute any offender where the evidence allows – sending a strong message that this anti-social and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated.”