A litter charity, Recoup, based in Peterborough, is developing a national litter database to understand why some areas experience worse littering than others.

The project, part of the charity’s Litter Composition and Pathways initiative, aims to guide packaging companies on reducing waste and influencing policy changes.

The database will allow litter-picking groups nationwide to input data from different locations, creating a comprehensive and inclusive resource.

Laura Hutchings, the project’s data manager, explained that the goal is to inform the government and key stakeholders, potentially leading to changes in legislation or packaging design.

She said: “It’s really interesting to see and the variety of legacy and new litter.

“It could help with information on what goes on packaging and how easy it is to dispose of.”

During a previous litter pick in Peterborough’s Woodston area, a crisp packet from the 1990s was discovered, highlighting the long-term impact of litter on the environment. This finding underscores the need for effective waste management.

Steve Morgan, Head of Policy and Infrastructure at Recoup, said that the data collected will help them collaborate with major brands and packaging manufacturers to explore improvements.

He said: “Globally we’ve got a big problem with waste and a big problem with litter in the UK.

“Our project will inform the government as to how they can approach making big changes to make a cultural shift to stop people littering.”

The charity also works closely with local litter-picking groups like Peterborough Litter Wombles.

Volunteers, such as Margaret Faulkner, collect litter from various locations for analysis and inclusion in the database.

“Peterborough needs a lot of work and we can’t keep up with it and the council can’t keep up with it, so we need to work together.

“It’s soul destroying when you come every week and see it, how do you manage it?”

Dick Searle, chief executive of the Packaging Federation, said: “Our industry clearly takes litter very seriously.

“The industry has moved towards making as much packaging recyclable as is possible and will continue to do so.”

 

——————————————————————————

At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about rewilding the UK to stop the decline in our wildlife.

Donate now and join in the solution!