News and media

“These impressive figures prove that when we take simple actions to show our love for where we live, we become part of a collective of like-minded people with an unstoppable drive to protect the environment.

We must help the public do the right thing with stuff they no longer want or need and address the reality of those who wake up every day to the horrors of fly-tipping on their doorstep.

“It’s ingrained in me that litter doesn’t belong in public spaces.

"Seeing more and more made me realise I needed to do something about it.”

“This growing culture of small individual actions has added up to an enormous impact with more than four million bags pledged by our army of volunteers during the campaign since it was launched in 2016."

“Our report is a wake-up call. It shows that litter is more than an eyesore – it prevents investment, creates inequality, damages the environment and makes people feel depressed and unsafe."

"People need to remember that disposing irresponsibly of their gum causes harm to our environment as it takes years to decompose naturally – and, ultimately, costs the public purse to clean it up.”

"As well as being unsightly and damaging to people’s pride in where they live, litter is dangerous to people, pets and wildlife. Each year, for example, more than three million small mammals die trapped in littered drinks containers. 

“We’ll head out and have some fun while picking up litter - let’s see who can be the quickest at picking up litter!

"It’s a light-hearted way to motivate everyone.”

“Drinks containers make up more than half of the litter that’s out in the environment and in our communities. In DRS we have a policy that can make a real difference, reducing littering of cans and bottles by up to 85%."

“Parks are a crucial part of this country’s green infrastructure, providing free opportunities to access physical and mental health benefits even in the most built-up urban environments.

 Cigarette butts are the country’s - and the world’s - most widespread litter problem with billions being thrown on the ground or dropped down drains every year.

“Not only is it beneficial for my health and mental wellbeing but it is also really gratifying knowing that we are making a positive difference to our local river habitats and the wildlife that uses it, hopefully preventing death or injury and stopping litter from getting out to our seas and oceans.”