What is Littering?

Littering is the act of improperly disposing of waste in public or natural spaces. This includes dropping, throwing or leaving rubbish in areas where it doesn’t belong such as streets, parks, pavements, countryside or waterways.

Common examples of litter include:

• Fast food packaging
• Drink cans and also bottles
• Cigarette butts
• Plastic bags
• Chewing gum
• Flyers and receipts

While it might seem harmless to drop something small, the reality is that litter adds up quickly and the problem escalates. One piece becomes many and soon the area looks neglected, attracting even more litter and antisocial behaviour.

Even worse, some litter, especially plastics, can take hundreds of years to decompose, posing a long-term threat to the environment, wildlife and human health.

Why Is Litter on the Increase?

There are several reasons why we’re seeing litter on the increase:

1. Increased Packaging Waste
   The rise in takeaway food, online shopping and single-use plastics has contributed significantly to packaging waste being discarded improperly.
2. Cuts to Local Services
   Budget cuts have led to fewer public bins, less frequent collections and reduced street cleaning, allowing litter to pile up faster.
3. Lack of Awareness and Accountability
   Sadly, many people still don’t realise the environmental impact of dropping a single piece of rubbish. Others assume someone else will clean it up.
4. Illegal Fly-Tipping
   With rising disposal costs, some turn to illegal dumping. This is not only unsightly but also dangerous and harmful to local wildlife.

The Reality Behind the Rise in Litter and Fly-Tipping

Litter on the increase is a growing issue across the UK, with over 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents reported in 2023/24, a 6% rise on the previous year. Motorways, footpaths, alleyways and bridleways are among the most affected areas. Around a third of incidents involve waste the size of a small van load. Household rubbish accounts for over 60% of all fly-tipping cases.

Cigarette butts and fast food packaging remain some of the most common types of litter. Many people still don’t view them as harmful, despite their environmental impact. Car parks near drive-throughs are often littered with discarded food waste, partly due to a lack of bins and careless behaviour. Excessive, non-recyclable packaging also adds to the problem, especially when household bins are full or collections are less frequent.

During lockdown, when fast food outlets closed, streets and public spaces became noticeably cleaner, highlighting how much litter is linked to our daily habits. At the same time, household waste increased and more rubbish was dumped illegally. These trends show that litter on the increase isn’t just about mess, it’s about behaviour, infrastructure and the choices we make every day.