Give fines for littering
One way to create better behaviour around waste disposal is to create a penalty for creating negative impact. Introducing fines along coastlines can incentivise individuals to take their waste to a bin or home with them, and stops plastic going into the ocean!
Over 150 plastic bottles litter each mile of UK beaches.
SourceBenefits
- If policed, can have an impact straight away
- Can raise money for community projects
- Raises awareness of the importance of environment
Challenges
- Requires buy in from local authorities or landowner
- Needs enforcement to be effective
- Investment in provision of bins would make compliance more attractive
Making a difference
Dropping litter is in fact an offence under S.87 of the EPA 1990. Fixed penalty notices may be issued to people dropping litter on beaches or alternatively, people may be prosecuted and fined up to £2,500