Action needed to tackle Scotland's litter emergency as '172 tonnes collected in three weeks'

Scotland is facing a “litter emergency” according to an environmental charity.

It’s estimated 172 tonnes of rubbish have been collected by volunteers in the first three weeks of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual Spring Clean litter pick.

The charity say discarded bottles, wrappers and disposable vapes are becoming increasingly common across the country’s streets and greenspaces.

Heather McLaughlin from Keep Scotland Beautiful told STV News: “We’re seeing an increase in food and drink related litter, we’re seeing an increase in cigarettes and smoking related litter, single-use vapes and that sort of thing.

“The trend isn’t the same across the whole country.

“It’s worse in urban areas and it’s worse in deprived communities. It tends to be worse where people are hanging about and eating and drinking on the go.”

More action needed to tackle 'litter emergency' — More action needed to tackle ‘litter emergency’ STV News

The charity have been working with community groups across Scotland as part of their annual Spring Clean.

Environmental campaigner and climate scientist Laura Young says there needs to be a change in attitudes to tackle the issue.

“Often we do walk past areas full of litter and we don’t even notice,” she said.

“I think part of it is about getting out there with a local group, and there’s still time during this spring clean to make an effort to pick up things and see the problem – but it’s also challenging people.

“Whether that’s in your family or friend group, workplace, school of community, to say ‘come on, we can do better’ and we can have a bit more pride.”

More information about the Spring Clean can be found on the Keep Scotland Beautiful website.