FIFE Council is working with Zero Waste Scotland to combat litter by urging organisations and businesses to prevent it spoiling the region.

There have been several cases of litter been strewn about streets in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, and more recently people raking through bins behind business premises at the south end of Cowdenbeath High Street caused a real mess.

Organisations and businesses across Fife are invited to take part in a new initiative from Zero Waste Scotland to tackle litter at the source and reduce its impact on the community.

The initiative supports organisations and businesses to change behaviours and attitudes towards litter and fly tipping among their staff, customers, service users and volunteers.

It provides a unique opportunity for organisations across the public, private and third sectors to demonstrate a positive influence on their area.

Initiative participants will pledge a set of actions to help prevent litter and flytipping and to change behaviours. These could be as simple as putting posters up to discourage littering, storing waste correctly and making sure any external areas are cleared of litter. They will receive free support from Zero Waste Scotland to deliver their plans and are encouraged to share their success with organisations across Fife.

15,000 tonnes of litter are discarded in Scotland each year, at a cost of £50 million to local authorities and tax payers. Local economies and businesses also suffer from the effects of litter. A business’s reputation can be damaged when its products or packaging are the cause of littering, and littered streets reduce the popularity of local tourist spots such as Lochore Meadows Country Park.

Litter has a substantial impact on Scotland’s environment, economy and communities, and dealing with litter and flytipping costs more than £50 million a year in public money.

Cllr. Ross Vettraino, Convener of the Environment Protective Services & Community Safety Committee, encouraged all local organisations to get involved.

He said: “Litter prevention is all about having the right attitude. Every single piece of litter has been deliberately thrown away by an irresponsible member of the public.

"If someone cares for the environment and doesn’t want to see public money wasted, they wouldn’t throw litter away, but would do the simple thing and place it in a litter bin or take it home with them.

“Litter prevention is much more effective than removing litter after it has been created, which is why I am encouraging all organisations and businesses to develop Litter Prevention Action Plans and help to lead the fight against litter in Fife.”

Urging organisations to get involved and help cut out litter, David Barnes, Programme Manager for Litter & Fly tipping, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It is clear that litter picking and cleaning alone is not a long-term solution to tackling litter. That’s why we’re calling on local organisations to take the lead and prevent litter at its source.

“I look forward to working with the fantastic businesses and organisations throughout this area and supporting them to keep the area clean, prosperous and looking great.”

Organisations in Fife are encouraged to find out more and sign up to the initiative at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/litter-flytipping/prevention-action-plans or email litterandflytipping@zerowastescotland.org.uk