Council teams up with McDonald’s to tackle fast food litter

A NEW drive has being launched in Carmarthenshire to tackle fast food litter.

 

The council, in partnership with McDonald’s, has launched a campaign to clean up the county.

Figures show that fast food litter such as chip wrappers, crisp packets, drinks cartons and half eaten food can be found on 20% of county streets.

The council is encouraging people to dispose of their rubbish more responsibly and has teamed up with McDonald’s to raise awareness of the problem.

Officers visited McDonald’s restaurants in Carmarthen and Cross Hands to put up posters and talk to customers.

On average 40 tonnes of litter is removed every week in Carmarthenshire and it costs the council over £2.2 million per year.

Not only does litter take years to break down, but it spoils the appearance of an area and attracts rats.

People are also being reminded that anyone caught throwing litter can get an on-the-spot fine of £75; or if taken to court, a fine up to £2,500.

Since council environmental enforcement officers started carrying out patrols and fining people in McDonald’s in Carmarthen, franchisee Ron Mounsey said they had seen a huge reduction in litter in the area.

He added: “We are delighted to be working with Carmarthenshire County Council to encourage people to either use the bins provided or if they do take their food away, to take their rubbish home with them and put it in the bin.

“Since enforcement officers started fining people we’ve seen I would say a 75% reduction in litter, which is fantastic.”

As well as raising awareness, customers who put their litter in the bin were able to enter a free prize drawn to win an iTunes voucher.

Officers will be visiting McDonald’s in Llanelli next as part of the ongoing campaign.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I would like to thank McDonald’s for supporting this campaign to tackle fast-food litter. It is important that we work together if we are to make a difference to the environment in which we live. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our rubbish carefully. The council is determined to create a cleaner, greener and safer Carmarthenshire for both residents and visitors.”

CAPTION: Pictured at McDonald’s in Carmarthen are (from left) council officers Vicky Guntrip and Tina Brice, McDonald’s franchisee Ron Mounsey, council Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones, McDonald’s customers Emily Lewis, from Pentrecwrt, Cody Evans from Pencader and Chloe Singh from Llanelli, and council officer Diane Phillips.

Picture: Jeff Connell.