New figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government reveal that the cost of clearing up litter has risen by 10 per cent: from £780 million in 2008 to £858 million in 2009.
This additional cost has been attributed to Britain’s ‘throwaway culture’. A survey by Defra found an increase in dog mess, tag graffiti, and cigarette butts, which has lead to a decrease in overall cleanliness.
To combat the UK’s litter problem, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CRPE) has spearheaded the anti-litter and fly tipping campaign Stop the Drop. It is also planning a long-term education scheme, a bottle deposit system and a change in the law on roadside litter. The CPRE currently has 286 litter picking groups across the country.
Samantha Harding, manager of the Stop the Drop campaign, says: "We're told we're living in the age of austerity but the cost of litter has exploded by almost £100 million and shows no signs of slowing down. We need a concerted and sustained public information campaign to educate people about the true costs of littering. We must make littering as unacceptable as vandalism."
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.