Seventy per cent of all litter cigarette or packaging related

More than 70% of all litter is cigarette or packaging related, members of the Westmeath Environment SPC were told last month. A new litter management plan is being compiled, identifying 70 objectives for 2024-2026.

Return vending machines are being introduced, and Jack O’Sullivan, environmental consultant, welcomed that, but said we are 20 years behind the rest of Europe. He asked if it was true that only bottles and drinks cans with the ‘return’ logo will be accepted.

Fintan O’Reilly, Environment Section, said the vending machines had been introduced at some supermarkets and the bottles and cans must have the ‘return’ logo.

He was confident the initiative would reduce the litter problem. “I remember, as a child, bringing back bottles and getting 5p,” he said.

Cllr Paddy Hill was worried that small retailers would find the cost of putting in vending machines prohibitive.

“Will they get a grant?” he asked.

Mr O’Reilly explained that shops do not have to put in big units – that bins or storage areas would be sufficient; and cans and bottles will be picked up from them.

Cllr Johnnie Penrose asked if the council had the power to go to houses and demand evidence of how they were disposing of their waste.

He was assured that they did and that the housing liaison officer in Athlone did so recently and achieved results.

Westmeath County Council will continue to support resident and community groups and to visit schools in a bid to increase litter education and awareness. The website will be updated to make it easier to report littering. It is hoped that the draft plan will be published in May 2024.