Enjoy your time outside – but take litter home!
Enjoy your time outdoors but please don’t litterAs restrictions begin to ease, more people are enjoying time at East Suffolk’s beaches, open spaces and countryside however the increase in visitors has also brought an unwelcome increase in litter.
As people spend more time outdoors, the amount of litter discarded across the district has increased dramatically. And whilst many people are using the litter bins provided at beaches, parks and other popular open spaces, others are dropping litter during their visit or are leaving rubbish beside bins which although well meaning, is still a form of littering.
Unfortunately, a large amount of the litter currently being collected around East Suffolk is takeaway food packaging which is not only unsightly and damaging for the environment but is also attractive to pests.
To tackle the growing litter issue, East Suffolk Norse have installed additional waste bins in popular areas and are emptying all litter bins more frequently. However, people are reminded that their rubbish is their responsibility and are asked to help keep East Suffolk beautiful, by disposing of their rubbish either in the nearest litter bin or if there is not a bin, or the bin is already full, taking it home.
Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for the Environment said: “East Suffolk has some of the most beautiful beaches and rural areas in the country and as some restrictions are lifted, we want our residents to be able to enjoy these areas safely. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in litter especially from takeaway and fast food businesses. There is no excuse for littering. We appreciate that bins may be filling up more quickly and we are doing all we can to empty bins as often as possible. If a bin is full, please look for another or take your rubbish home.
“Small actions make a big difference and if everyone takes responsibility for their own rubbish when out and about, we will hopefully experience far less litter in our beautiful district.”
People are also being encouraged to report overflowing or damaged litter bins, by calling 0333 016 2000 or emailing customerservices@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.