Despite outdoor litter bins being provided for public use, the amount of litter dropped onto our streets is becoming a growing concern.
Recent statistics are showing that communities throughout England are being 
blighted by litter. Whether it is laziness to find any outdoor litter bins or ignorance, litter on the street can cause the potential for serious problems including infestations of rats and vermin. What many do not realise is the cost of cleaning up litter. One of the biggest litter offenders is chewing gum, which once trodden into the pavement requires specialist removal. Furthermore, many people forget that dropping rubbish is actually a crime and can lead to offenders being fined anything from £50 to £80. If this amount remains unpaid, then the figure can increase up to £2500 when cases are taken to court.
The Statistics Not To Dispose of in Outdoor Litter Bins…
Keep Britain tidy found in their 2013 report ‘Which Side of the Fence Are You On?’ that:
- 30 million tonnes of litter are collected from our streets each year
- The cost to clean our streets is £1 billion pounds, this is equivalent to 33,200 NSH nurses or providing 1 billion free school meals, more than enough for every primary school child in England
- 68% of people in England drop litter, although only 28% admit to it
- 99% of streets in town centres have cigarette litter
- And 57% of people consider litter to be a problem; a statistic they predict will only get worse.
The public and businesses are being encouraged to take action against the amount of litter on our streets. There are outdoor litter bins located in our streets and town centres you just have to find them and then make sure you use them. When you have rubbish to dispose of, keep hold of it until you can find an outdoor litter bin – remember they can be wall mounted. Cigarette stubs are also considered litter, its best if you can find an outdoor ashtray or cigarette bin to use.