STAFF from McDonald’s in Carmarthen and pupils from Ysgol Bro Myrddin have taken to the airwaves to persuade people to put their rubbish in the bin.
The council has launched a county-wide campaign to tackle takeaway and fast-food litter with the support of restaurants including McDonald’s and Roadchef in Pont Abraham.
Signs and posters have been put up asking customers – particularly those using the drive thru – to put their rubbish in the bin.
And pupils from Ysgol Bro Myrddin have carried out a litter-pick around the Pensarn area filling 25 bags with rubbish in just a couple of hours.
Radio Carmarthenshire’s Tommo was there to find out what the campaign was all about speaking to staff and pupils to find out their views on litter – and hopefully to encourage listeners to get on board.
Bro Myrddin pupil Carys Jenkins said: “To our huge surprise, at least 25 rubbish and recycling bags were collected before returning to the school.
“Six pupils were interviewed by Tommo for Radio Carmarthenshire and five other pupils took part in a photo shoot to promote the county’s rubbish and recycling campaign. It was a very interesting and fun morning.”
McDonald’s Franchisee Ron Mounsey said he very pleased to be a partner in the campaign: “It concerns us that people think it is ok to throw litter into verges and hedges when there are always adequate litter bins, or they could simply take it home and bin it,” he said. “Hopefully this initiative will remind people to bin it or take it home.
“We are fully supportive of council officers patrolling our car parks to remind people of their responsibilities.
“I look forward to seeing less litter on our roadsides and in the community.”
Council environmental enforcement officers carry out regular patrols in the area and anyone caught dropping litter can be issued with an on-the-spot fine of £75. If they fail to pay they could be taken to court where the maximum fine is £2,500.
Executive Board Member for Public Protection Cllr Philip Hughes said: “We are really pleased McDonald’s is supporting this campaign to get the message across – and it is a very simple message – just put your rubbish in the bin; and if there aren’t any nearby take it home with you to put in the bin. We don’t want to fine people, but if you don’t, and we catch you, then we have no choice.”
Figures show that confectionery-type litter and drink-related litter were found on 45.6% and 43.2% of Carmarthenshire streets last year, with fast-food litter on 25.6% of our streets.
Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “Not only does litter spoil the appearance of an area and attract vermin, but it can also cause harm to animals and wildlife.
“Well done to Ysgol Bro Myrddin pupils for supporting our campaign and doing their bit to help clean up the local community, hopefully by working together we can encourage people to do the right thing.”
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