Councils across Leicestershire launch campaign to tackle long-term impact of litter

The Leicestershire Waste Partnership is urging residents to think twice about how they dispose of waste and consider how long litter can take to degrade. 

The social media campaign will use images of aged and long-degraded pieces of litter such as crisp packets and plastic bottles to raise awareness of the enduring presence of waste in the countryside. It will also highlight the long-term damage litter can cause to ecosystems and wildlife. 

Executive Member for Clean Neighbourhoods at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, said:

“Litter doesn’t just vanish — it becomes part of our environment unless we act and take action. I’m proud to support the tireless efforts of our clean neighbourhoods team, our local litter-picking groups who do an incredible job, but it’s clear that keeping our communities clean is a shared responsibility. 

“Sadly, it’s a small minority who continue to drop rubbish, often unaware that some litter can remain in our streets and green spaces for years — even decades — without breaking down. 

“That’s why I’m pleased we’re joining forces with other councils to launch this campaign. We want to encourage everyone to think twice and do the right thing: put litter in the bin, not on the ground.”