A considerable amount of waste is left lying on the ground in public spaces instead of being disposed of in waste bins. The reasons for this litter-dropping are neither the refuse bag charge nor the lack of waste bins, but a change in consumer behaviour. Fast-food packaging, free newspapers and cigarettes are the main constituents of the litter.
Causes of Litter-dropping.
The study came to the following conclusion:
- The cause of the phenomenon is probably the changed consumer behaviour of the population and in particular the increase in «fast food»: waste from take-away meals such as drinks cans, glass or PET bottles and food packaging made of cardboard, paper and plastic make up 52% of the waste left lying on the ground.
- The particular site is also significant: picnic and recreation areas are more seriously affected by litter than transit areas.
- The reasons for litter-dropping are neither a lack of nor overflowing waste bins, because waste is also thrown away next to half-full waste bins and at sites where plenty of disposal facilities are provided.
- Since household waste is not found on the street the introduction of the refuse bag charge cannot be a reason for the increase in litter either. Moreover, the problem also occurs in cities that do not have a refuse bag charge
Potential solutions
The litter-dropping problem is primarily restricted to city centres. This requires targeted actions at a local level yet on the other hand it makes it difficult to carry out national measures. In Switzerland various combinations of measures adapted to the local circumstances are being pursued.
- Information and awareness-raising campaign
- Information and education
- Code of behaviour for the retail sector and specimen contract for free newspapers
- Financial incentives for consumers
- Sanctions
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