Litter
Littering is one of the most unnecessary, unpleasant and anti-social forms of pollution that affects both quality of life and the environment.
What is Litter?
The term "litter" has a very widespread interpretation. The most frequent types of litter that we sweep up on a daily basis are -
- sweet and food wrappers
- drink cans and bottles
- food packaging
- cigarette ends
- bags of rubbish
- food waste
The offence of dropping litter relates to what is done to the litter rather than the size or what it is. You can also be fined for dropping litter from a car or other vehicle.
What is the problem with litter?
Litter is an anti-social behaviour which is a blight on our environment and a financial burden. This is highlighted by the fact that it costs Perth and Kinross Council over £2 million per annum to clear up litter.
The most frequently dropped items are small, but nevertheless; contribute greatly by adding to the litter problem, i.e. sweet papers, cigarette butts and chewing gum.
Different items of litter can last longer than others, often taking years to degrade. Plastic bottles can last indefinitely, and plastic wrap dropped in a field today could still be there in 50 years. Aluminium litter, such as drink cans, can last 80 to 100 years, as do nappies.
Plastic bags given away free from some supermarkets, last between 10 and 20 years, even discarded cigarette butts can last up to 2 years in landfill before degrading.
Please use a bin for a cleaner, safer environment.
How to report litter
Contact us with the location of the litter, including the type and noting any landmarks, specific streets or areas.
Email: es@pkc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01738 476476
or write to:
Waste Services Manager, The Environment Service, Pullar House,
35 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5GD.
