Gwynedd Council has launched a scheme aimed at tackling the effects of smoking related litter on our streets.
According to research carried out by Keep Wales Tidy, smokers’ litter is the most common type of litter on the streets of all counties in Wales and is to be found on 85% of the country’s streets. This type of rubbish includes cigarette stumps, empty cigarette and tobacco packs and used matches.
This is an opportunity for smokers living in Gwynedd to receive a special pocket ash-tray, free of charge, which means there no longer an excuse for dropping cigarette ends on the floor, even if there is no dustbin or regular ashtray near by.
The pocket ashtray is like a pouch which can fit in your pocket or bag, made of fire-resistant material so it is safe to place old cigarettes in it. It also contains any smells so it can be carried in your pocket or bag until you get to an appropriate bin to be emptied.
Dropping smoking related litter can have a massive impact on an area and is also against the law. A person who intentionally drops litter – including cigarette ends – can face an on-the-spot fine of £75.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Environment Portfolio Leader, said:
“The people of Gwynedd deserve to live in clean and tidy towns and villages, it’s not acceptable for a small minority to ruin the local environment for all.
“We are now in the middle of the Christmas party season with more people than usual going out to enjoy themselves in the county’s pubs and restaurants, I would urge them not to throw their cigarette ends and other smoking related litter on the floor and to use an appropriate ashtray or bin.
“I welcome this campaign by Gwynedd Council and Keep Wales Tidy and truly hope it will play a part in protecting the environment.”
Peter Simpson, Gwynedd Council’s Street Scene Manager, added:
“Dropping litter such as cigarette ends is unnecessary and irresponsible, and is also an environmental crime. The Council’s Enforcement Team will be monitoring Gwynedd’s towns and villages regularly to try to prevent this environmental crime.”
According to Wynne Williams, Keep Wales Tidy’s Communications Manager, cleanliness surveys carried out by the organisation showed that smoking litter is a problem for all Welsh counties and welcomed the fact that local authorities are responding to the problem.
He added: “We must remember that people are the cause of this problem and at the end of the day creating a clean and safe Wales is a responsibility for all of us. We must remember that the cost of getting rid of waste in Wales is nearly £80 million.”
For more information about the Council’s Tidy Towns scheme, or to order your free pocket ash tray, telephone 01766 771000or email [email protected]
