Today, we are writing to the Deputy First Minister to urgently highlight the growing litter crisis we face in Wales and to call for immediate action to prevent long-term damage to our communities and environment.

Since 2007, Keep Wales Tidy has been tracking litter levels across the country. While we’ve seen improvements over the years, we are deeply concerned that the situation is now worsening at an alarming rate.

Litter is far more than an eyesore and clean streets aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re essential for building community pride and driving economic growth. Once neglect takes hold, it becomes extremely challenging to reverse.

Our letter asks for Welsh Government to take several critical actions:

• Commit to a national plan: We urge the Welsh Government to commit to developing and publishing this plan, ensuring that councils are equipped with the strategies they need to address these issues head-on.
• Protect budgets: We understand that budgets are tight, but it is crucial that local authorities prioritize investment in street cleansing, litter prevention, public education, and enforcement.
• Accelerate the deposit return scheme: We support Welsh Government’s ambition to introduce an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme by 2027, but this scheme must include glass.
• Implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) quickly: The EPR scheme should be rolled out as soon as possible, ensuring that producers take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle.
• Explore new financial mechanisms: We should explore new funding models to support local authorities and third-sector organizations in tackling persistent litter issues. This could include a Visitor Levy, as well as levies on single-use cups and avoidable plastics.

This is a critical moment for Welsh communities, and we must take swift and decisive action to protect them. The good news is that we already have the tools to make a difference, but we need commitment and collaboration from both national and local governments to ensure a cleaner, greener future for Wales

Read the full letter below.