New campaign launched to combat litter
GIVE your litter a lift home – that’s the message to takeaway and fastfood customers in Carmarthenshire.
A number of restaurants and takeaways in the county have joined forces with the council to launch a new campaign to combat litter.
Signs and posters asking customers to put their rubbish in the bin have been put up and litterpicks are being carried out with the help of the local community at rubbish hot-spots. Those taking part include McDonald’s in Llanelli, Cross Hands and Carmarthen and Roadchef in Pont Abraham.
Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “There is no excuse for dropping litter on our streets. If there are no bins nearby, then please take your rubbish home with you to dispose of.
“Litter can cause harm to animals and wildlife, it spoils the appearance of an area and it can attract vermin. Hopefully this campaign will encourage people to do the right thing. I would like to thank all the takeaway premises and fast-food restaurants for working with us to help clean up Carmarthenshire.”
As well as raising awareness, council environmental enforcement officers will also be increasing patrols and anyone caught dropping litter could be issued with an on-the-spot fine of £75.
Executive Board Member for Public Protection Cllr Philip Hughes said: “We do not want to fine people, we want people to be responsible and put their litter in the bin. However, if people break the law by throwing it out of their car window or because they are just too lazy to walk to a bin, then we will come after you and you will be fined.”
The maximum fine for littering is £2,500 if prosecuted in the magistrates court.