Media Release
14th August 2008
Littering Habits Cause for Concern - Press Release PDF
South Australia is performing well in litter reduction with less beverage container litter, fewer butts in the environment and less illegally dumped waste. The findings are in the Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index released today. The Index measures littering around Australia. Over 980 sites were monitored (151 in SA) in May 2008.
Over 104,000 pieces of litter were counted with almost 50% being cigarette butts. Categories counted included Glass (3%), Metal (7.5%), Paper (19%) and Plastic (19%).
However, some litter is a cause for concern with plastic items remaining higher than average, and take away food containers in both plastic and paper have increased from the 05/06 count period.
“Overall littering trends remain constant in South Australia showing retail shopping centres, industrial areas and highways being the most littered,” says John Phillips, Executive Director, KESAB.
“The past twelve months has been a challenge to tackle the litter stream.”
“Butt litter campaigns, installation of over 500 butt bins at smoke free clubs and pubs, combined with improved behaviour by smokers has reduced butt litter by approximately 10%.”
“However, the huge increase in outdoor events and convenience food outlets and types points to more ‘mouth’ litter in the environment.”
KESAB has been working closely with Zero Waste SA and local government to implement illegal dumping reduction strategies and research indicates some success.
Stronger community engagement and focus on illegal dumping hotspots through surveillance and signage detailing enforcement measures are included in the current round of trials.
Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) underpins South Australia’s low drink container litter and trends should continue to further reduce beverage can, carton and bottle litter when the deposit is increased to 10c on 1st September.
Recycling also benefits from CDL with an estimated 600million containers returned to depots each year.
Plastic remains unacceptably high with plastic shopping bags, straws, confectionary wrappers, bottle tops and industrial sheeting/strapping being the main items.
Weather also plays a part in the count process with long dry spells in South Australia showing that less litter has been washed into gutters and creeks with fewer rain events in South Australia during the count period.
“The KAB Litter Index is a very important tool used by KESAB to identify trends and behaviour in the community when it comes to litter and waste disposal,” John Phillips said.
“Littering has consequences including environmental harm, danger to habitat and significant costs totalling millions of dollars to clean up by councils and event organisers.
Whilst South Australia fairs well in the research we still have a long way to go if we are to hold our record as the cleanest State,” he said.
Contact: John Phillips
Executive Director
KESAB environmental solutions
P 8234-7255
M 0413-877-875