Clearing roadside litter costing us £3.5m a year
THE staggering cost of cleaning litter up from Wales’ streets has been revealed by an environment charity.
Collecting and disposing of litter thrown onto roadsides in Wales is costing taxpayers £3.5m a year, according to a survey by Keep Wales Tidy.
While this is only an estimated sum, the actual figure could be much higher as it currently does not include the additional costs of road closures and traffic caused by lengthy clean ups.
By 2025, the report says collection costs alone could rise in excess of £11m.
Colin Smith, operational manager at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said people should be reminded that littering is a crime and that it is “expensive and hazardous to collect”.
He added: “It is an unnecessary cost to the taxpayer that could be better spent on other services.
“Car litter unfortunately has become one of our biggest problems and the council will be targeting this offence to prevent the visual impact litter is having on our environment and the detrimental effect it has on wildlife.”
Vale of Glamorgan council enforces a £75 fixed penalty notice for littering.
The survey involved every local authority as well as both trunk road agencies in Wales. Of those surveyed, 90% said they thought that plastic drinks bottles are the most common litter type found on roadsides, followed by fast food packaging (85%).
Many of those surveyed said legislation should be changed so littering from vehicles is on a par with other driving offences.
Such a law has recently been introduced in England but does not extend to Wales.
The report recommends an improved collaboration between businesses and driving associations, an “adopt a road” scheme and further anti-litter campaigns.
Jemma Bere, policy manager for Keep Wales Tidy, said: “Litter is a blight on our streets and communities and costs us dearly, whether environmentally, economically or socially.
“All litter is an avoidable problem and education, enforcement, engagement and policy and legislation all have a part to play. However, roadside litter is more complex in nature and campaigns require careful thought and targeting.
“We are currently exploring options with Welsh Government and local authorities, and will be trialling some solutions in the near future.”