Joining forces to tackle Scotland’s litter problem

Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual litter survey has noted the growing problem of a throw-away society and is working with communities, schools, local authorities and businesses to educate against littering.

However, with the lockdown restrictions easing off and various retailers reopening, there has been more littering. More than 100 branches of McDonald’s and Costa will be displaying campaign materials urging customers to “give it a lift” and take their litter home.

Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign manager Paul Wallace said: “Images of litter left strewn by our roadsides, and spoiling our parks, beaches and beauty spots have upset people across Scotland in recent weeks, with many taking to social media to share their disgust. 

“By joining us in calling for their customers to do the right thing and bin their litter or take it home, Costa and McDonald’s are taking an important step towards nudging people to collectively tackle litter at source and protect the places that matter to us all.”

A Costa spokesperson added: “Costa Coffee is proud to partner with Keep Scotland Beautiful to remind consumers to dispose of their litter responsibly.

“We continually strive to serve the communities in which we operate, so in order to protect and preserve our local environments, we want to remind people to take their litter home with them.

“We hope the simple messages of the campaign will encourage everyone to do the right thing when they finish enjoying their favourite Costa Coffee.”

Helen McFarlane of McDonald’s, said: “We are proud that for over 35 years McDonald’s restaurant teams have collected litter in our local communities.

“Our people walk around 5,000 miles every year collecting all litter, not just McDonald’s branded packaging. It is deeply disappointing to see a minority of our customers disposing of their rubbish so irresponsibly by littering.

“Over the last few months we have seen how important it is that we look after each other, and our natural environment – we want our customers to help us with that.

“We are pleased to partner with Keep Scotland Beautiful on this campaign to remind our customers that whilst our dining areas remain closed, they should follow the clear message, to take their litter home.”