Cigarette butts, crisp packets, pop cans… nobody wants to live surrounded by mess caused by those who can’t be bothered to dispose of their litter responsibly. Littering not only makes where we live look awful and run-down, it can attract vermin which we don’t want and harm the wildlife that we do want.
Dropping litter is not a trivial matter. People who drop litter in the UK are committing a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act, 1990 and can be fined £80 or more.
Fly-tipping is the littering of larger items such as household appliances with a penalty of up to £20,000 and six months’ imprisonment. However, if the case goes to the Crown Court, the fine is unlimited, and individuals can be imprisoned for two years for general waste or five years for hazardous waste.
If you have ever walked around the development in the early hours of the morning, you will know foxes and hedgehogs are a common sight and like to rummage around in the bushes. These mammals, and avians, can get caught in plastics, or be poisoned or choked if they try to eat them.
Cigarette butts are particularly toxic. They contain nicotine, arsenic and heavy metals. These can be deadly if ingested by a small animal. Further reading on the RSPCA website
If you do see litter, please consider picking it up and disposing of it responsibly. If you witness people dropping litter, please take the time to report it to Leeds City Council. You can remain anonymous if you wish.