Campaigners Against Littering Urge Firms And Councils To Help

21 August 2017, 07:13 | Updated: 21 August 2017, 07:15

Businesses and councils are among the organisations being urged to join a new nationwide campaign to prevent littering and flytipping.

More than 15,000 tonnes of litter are discarded in Scotland each year, creating a substantial impact on the environment and costing the public purse over £50 million a year, according to Zero Waste Scotland.

The campaign group has launched a Scotland-wide initiative calling on organisations to do their bit to prevent littering in their communities.

It hopes organisations from across the public, private and third sector will develop litter prevention action plans as part of efforts to change behaviour and attitudes towards dropping litter.

Actions could include putting posters up in windows to discourage customers from littering, storing waste correctly and making sure any outside areas are clear of litter.

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: "It is clear that litter picking and cleaning alone is not a long-term solution to Scotland's litter issue. That's why we need to work together to prevent litter at its source.

"We have had a fantastic response from organisations in Dundee that are passionate about protecting their communities and the environment, and I'm excited to replicate this success across the country.

"I hope as many businesses and organisations as possible will get in touch to look at putting together an action plan for your area to help prevent litter from blighting it."

The call is being launched at the Engine Shed, Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) building conservation centre in Stirling.

HES climate change manager Dr Mairi Davies said: "Keeping Scotland's historic environment litter-free is a key priority for us so we can help to ensure that it remains somewhere that people can enjoy.

"Working together with partners like Zero Waste Scotland to promote this litter prevention message means we are one step closer to achieving this shared goal."