Unauthorised dumping is escalating as a primary factor in litter pollution. Áine Kerr reports.
This escalating problem may be attributed to the introduction of the pay-by-weight charges for domestic refuse, according to a survey to be published today by the Litter Monitoring Body.
The report, prepared for the Department of the Environment, noted that cigarette related litter inclusive of cigarette ends, matches, wrappers, matchboxes and lighters accounted for almost half of all litter pollution.
Chewing gum was found to be the single largest litter component in the food related litter category which contributed to over 33 per cent of litter pollution.
Fly-tipping, refuse collection and bring banks increased considerably as causes of litter in rural areas, according to the litter quantification survey undertaken by 63 of 90 local authorities. This may be attributed to the introduction of refuse charges in January 2005 according to the report.
While the survey shows a slight improvement in litter and pollution levels and an increased number of unpolluted areas, there is still a small number of areas (1.5 per cent) that remain "grossly polluted".
A comparison of urban and rural local authorities revealed a disparity in terms of the extent and severity of litter problems, with almost 10 per cent of rural areas unpolluted, compared to only 4 per cent in urban areas.
According to the survey, passing pedestrians constitute the greatest single causative factor of litter pollution, accounting to over 35 per cent across all local authorities.
As a direct result of the smoking ban in the workplace, "gathering points" have continued to increase as a catalyst for litter, in addition to places of leisure and entertainment.
Less significant causes of litter pollution in all types of local authority areas include major entertainment events, overflowing bins, bring banks, construction sites and bus/train stations.
In the case of Dublin, there has been an overall improvement in litter pollution, with the percentage of slightly and moderately polluted areas increasing and the percentage of significantly and grossly polluted areas falling.
The next survey by the Litter Monitoring Body will include a new category for sweet related litter, bottle caps and lids, in addition to a study on litter pollution along rural roads.