Roadside litter

Roadside litter is a complex issue with far‑reaching consequences – threatening wildlife and polluting our waterways.

Removing litter from roadsides, laybys and junctions also carries significant health and safety risks and demands substantial resources. These challenges make the problem harder to address effectively and limit how often cleansing can take place.

Roadside litter data

We collect data through robust litter surveys using GLÂN (Geospatial Litter Analysis) – our world‑leading methodology for monitoring and analysing litter trends.

These figures show the extent of roadside litter across Wales last year.

The data highlights the environmental impact of ‘on-the-go’ food and drink, with sweet wrappers, drinks containers and fast-food packaging among the most common types of litter along our roadsides.

For the all the latest litter survey results, visit our litter data page.

Litter data

98.8%

A and B roads had litter

80.7%

main roads had confectionery litter

67%

main roads had fast-food litter

Reporting roadside litter

The responsibility for maintaining and improving the road network in Wales lies primarily with local authorities, but there are some exceptions.

For example, motorways and major trunk roads fall under the responsibility of Welsh Government via the Trunk Road Agencies – the South Wales Trunk Road Agency and the North Wales Trunk Road Agency.

If you see any roadside litter, you can report a problem to your local authority or the relevant agency.

Tackling the issue

There is simply no excuse for throwing litter from a vehicle. It is lazy, unnecessary, and completely avoidable.

In 2026, we relaunched our ‘Drive Your Litter Home’ campaign to urge motorists to do the right thing.

You can help us spread the word by visiting our Brandbag site and downloading our posters and social media graphics #DriveYourLitterHome.

Go to Brandbag

Guidance and research

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Roadside Litter Guidance

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Tackling Litter on our Roads

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Loving Wales is basically in my job description, but even I feel embarrassed by the state of our roadsides. There is simply no excuse for throwing litter from a vehicle. It is lazy, unnecessary, and completely avoidable. Roadside litter is not a new problem, but this latest data shows just how widespread it has become. Every motorist needs to take responsibility. Litter in your vehicle belongs to you. Drive it home and dispose of it properly.
Owen Derbyshire Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive