A crisis of littering has emerged in Wales, as surveys indicate the worst street cleanliness levels on record, according to campaigners. Keep Wales Tidy reported a significant rise in litter, attributing it to a surge in on-the-go food and drink packaging, alongside escalating costs impacting council budgets for street cleaning. Councils are facing challenges in maintaining cleanliness amidst competing financial pressures, such as social care costs.
Wales is grappling with escalating levels of litter, with the latest survey from Keep Wales Tidy unveiling the most dismal street cleanliness results in 17 years. The charity highlighted that the issue was pervasive throughout the country and noted that only a small proportion of areas in England were entirely free of litter. Despite labeling a “litter emergency” in 2022, Keep Scotland Tidy also pointed out a persistent rise in litter levels, exacerbating the problem.
The dire situation is particularly prevalent in urban areas of Wales, with over 35% of cities and towns plagued by “unacceptable” levels of litter. A striking 286% spike was observed in the number of streets marked as “D” for cleanliness, centered around smoking-related litter and food and beverage packaging as the primary culprits. In Cardiff, one of the areas worst hit by litter, an exasperated resident in Splott, Malcolm Davies, lamented the nightmare of endless litter accumulating in his neighborhood.
Fellow Splott resident Lynne Thomas, who leads monthly volunteer clean-up efforts, underscored the importance of proper waste disposal. Residents must adhere to correct waste management practices, as incorrectly disposed of rubbish attracts seagulls adept at spreading litter across the streets. This escalating litter issue has not only tangible impacts on the environment but also devastating consequences on the mental well-being of residents. Gareth Davies from Keep Wales Tidy pointed out that fly-tipping, often perpetrated by individuals from outside the community, compounds the problem, necessitating a collective effort to tackle the crisis
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