Highland Council leader urges 'radical change in behaviour' to keep Highlands clear of litter
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The leader of Highland Council is backing a new campaign aimed at keeping the region free of rubbish that can harm wildlife and the environment.
Zero Waste Scotland’s campaign, Scotland Is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way, aims to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors while reminding them they should either bin litter or take it home.
Backed by the Scottish Government and Keep Scotland Beautiful, it highlights the beauty of Scotland’s lochs, coasts, mountains, parks and woodlands.
“We warmly welcome the return of visitors to the Highlands and we ask everyone to ‘leave no trace’," council leader Margaret Davidson said.
"We urgently need a radical change in behaviour to keep Scotland stunning and protect our wildlife and environment.
“It is estimated that 80 per cent of marine litter washing up on beaches started out on land. As well as being harmful, dropping litter is a criminal offence.
Highland Council is supporting the campaign with digital assets and posters, featuring a scenic image and informing the public that "Hamish" was in the Highlands – "but you'd never know it because he took his litter home".
The posters are being placed at major tourist sites across the region and can be customised to be specific to certain areas.
The chairman of the communities and place committee, Councillor Allan Henderson, said: “The council has increased bins and waste capacity across the Highlands for the coming season, as well as extra uplifts to try to keep the Highlands stunning.
"If bins are full, please take all rubbish away with you, as in rural locations it can be a few days before the next collection is possible. If for some reason you aren’t near a bin, or the bin is full, take your waste with you and dispose of it when you can safely – don’t leave it next to a bin as wildlife can tear the bag and litter can blow away.
"Each year the council spends over £2 million on cleaning up litter, money that could be much better spent investing in our local communities and improving the road network. We welcome this approach from Zero Waste Scotland and see it as an opportunity to educate and change behaviours. Enjoy the Highlands of Scotland, make memories and leave no trace.”
Barry Fisher, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We know from our work with communities across Scotland that most people want to do the right thing and take action to make all of Scotland stunning again.
"Our evidence shows that we’re facing a looming litter emergency across Scotland, so we’re delighted to support this campaign. We all can, and should, do more to tackle litter. And while some people need to change their behaviour, thousands of people have pledged to litter-pick as part of our summer clean, helping them turn their anger into action.”
People can report litter using the report form on the Highland Council website. An £80 fine for dropping litter can be issued. Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste and fines range from £200 to £20,000, or the offender can receive six months in prison (up to five years if hazardous waste is dumped).
Those wishing to support the campaign can download the toolkit or visit ZeroWasteScotland further details.
