Let’s flatten the 'trashdemic' curve!

We’ve joined forces with Keep Scotland Beautiful and Keep Wales Tidy in an urgent call to action to tackle post lockdown litter. Together we’re urging people to do the right thing and bin their litter or take it home.

We hope this open letter, signed by all three chief executives, sends a clear message to everyone as restrictions ease.

Allison Ogden-Newton, CEO, Keep Britain Tidy said;

“During 2019 and 2020, the RSPCA recorded over 8,000 incidents of animals injured by litter. Every piece of litter dropped, or left, on our beaches and in our parks is a direct threat to both wild animals and domestic pets. Please let’s not let them suffer at the hands of our post lockdown parties and instead show some love to the oases that have provided such needed recreation to us during this pandemic.”

You can read Keep Britain Tidy’s lockdown litter strategy here.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful commented,

“At a time when we need our outside spaces more than ever before Scotland is facing the prospect of a litter emergency. Our polling shows that during the first lockdown, 29% of people thought that the amount of litter blighting our beautiful country got worse.

Without the ongoing support of community groups and individuals who are committed to cleaning up Scotland, one litter item at a time, the problem could be far worse.

Our call out is simple – to those who are proud of the country we live in and are frustrated – join us to help combat the problem.  Join our clean-up efforts this May and June.”

You can Keep Scotland Beautiful's latest report ‘Time for a new approach to tackling litter’ here.

Lesley Jones, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy said;

“Every person has a part to play.  It is not acceptable to expect somebody else to pick up the rubbish you create.

When you’re out, make memories, not mess – if bins are full, take your rubbish home.”