Half of adults in Scotland have admitted to littering in the past year, according to new research released ahead of this year’s Spring Clean Scotland campaign.
The YouGov survey, carried out for Keep Britain Tidy and delivered in Scotland by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, found that 50% of Scottish adults said they had littered in the last 12 months.
The findings come ahead of Spring Clean Scotland, which launches on 13th March and is described as the nation’s biggest mass litter pick.
The survey revealed that almost 403,000 people (9%) admitted leaving finished items or packaging behind after sitting down to eat or drink.
More than 313,000 (7%) said they had left rubbish at a train or bus stop.
More than 268,000 (6%) admitted throwing or dropping litter from a vehicle window.
Last year, 35,000 people took part in Spring Clean Scotland. Councils and road operators are currently spending more than £1 million a week removing litter across the country.
Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “If 50% of adults in Scotland are admitting to the illegal act of littering in the last 12 months we have to question why. And we must accept that people we know and love are littering – and start calling them out.
“We know what needs to be done to encourage people to bin their litter, and we understand the drivers, the need for better infrastructure, systems and support to encourage reuse. But we desperately need more investment to ensure we address the root cause of the litter emergency.
“Research carried out in Scotland almost two decades ago similarly found that 54% of respondents admitted to dropping litter, so litter continues to be problematic – it’s about time we call an end to littering.
“You may have littered, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop. Now is the time to change and start picking up litter rather than dropping it. Spring Clean is your chance to take positive action. Gather your friends, family or colleagues and plan a litter pick that helps you improve your community, let go of any guilt you might have for past littering offences, and you will find litter picking actually makes you feel good.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “We want to thank our players for their continued support in raising funds to support the Great British Spring Clean, and also the passionate Litter Heroes volunteers across the country without whom the campaign couldn’t make the impact that it does.
“It’s inspiring to see volunteers in action protecting the local environment in communities throughout Britain, sending a strong message that we can all play a part in loving where we live and protecting nature.”
Spring Clean Scotland will run from 13th March. People can sign up and access campaign resources through the Keep Scotland Beautiful website.