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 waste that is thrown
down and left, and that causes defacement in a public
place. The size or what the item is, is
irrelevant. You can also be fined for dropping litter
from a car or other vehicle.
How to report litter
You can report a litter problem or make a litter bin
enquiry online. Alternatively, telephone the
Customer Service Centre on 01738 476476 with the following
details:
- the location of the litter or litter bin;
- if litter, what needs to be cleared.
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.
For information on how the Scottish Government is dealing with the
issues of litter and waste in general.
