ANYONE with a stake in tackling litter in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area can get access to the latest advice and research from home and abroad as from this Tuesday as Zero Waste Scotland launches its brand new Litter Knowledge Network.

The comprehensive online resource brings together all the latest advice, expertise and support on litter prevention for the first time in Scotland, including the organisation’s in-depth research on scale, impact and attitudes to the problem.

Many groups tackle the problem in this area including the likes of Cowdenbeath and Cardenden Environmental Groups and the Benarty Matters volunteers.

The latest expert material and good practice advice on litter prevention is presented in an accessible and engaging way – such as the fact that Scotland collects 15,000 tonnes of litter – or about 50 Kelpies worth – every year.

There are downloadable toolkits for stakeholder in easy-to-use format, to help specific local campaigns aimed at persuading the public not to drop litter.

The resource efficiency body also called on all those with a role in tackling littering such as local authorities, businesses, community groups and landowners – to contribute to the network with information, ideas, and good practice.

The launch builds on work rolled out over the last three years, including higher penalties for littering and the introduction of a successful carrier bag charge by the Scottish Government.

Zero Waste Scotland has developed a strong evidence base on the impacts of and attitudes to littering in Scotland which have been used to help inform litter and flytipping prevention initiatives.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham said: “The Scottish Government has made prevention of litter and flytipping the cornerstone of Scotland’s national litter strategy, Towards a Litter-Free Scotland, and this new resource should be valuable to all stakeholders in helping tackle the problem.

“I encourage all those with a role in tackling litter to visit the Zero Waste Scotland website, and engage with the network where they can reap the benefits of the expertise and advice on offer.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Our Litter Knowledge Network provides fantastic new tools to help stakeholders in Central Fife take forward a preventative approach towards litter and flytipping."