Introducing the Clean Devon Partnership – March 2021.
What’s the problem? Litter and fly tipping are putting a major and growing financial burden on society. This environmental vandalism blights communities and has serious public health consequences. With the key roles that the world class environment, agriculture and tourism play in Devon’s prosperous economy it is critical that litter and fly tipping which impact seriously on these areas are tackled with an innovative, enterprising and collaborative approach.
Dealing with fly tipping and litter in Devon is estimated to cost more than £7million.
Clean Devon is a new partnership of organisations working together to tackle litter and fly tipping across Devon. The group will share expertise and intelligence and work with local and national businesses, local and parish councils and the Devon public to reduce litter and fly tipping.
The problems of litter have always been a key campaign of Devon CPRE, and so we are delighted to be part of this new county-wide anti-littering campaign – Clean Devon – a multi-agency partnership working collaboratively to protect our environment for wildlife, residents, businesses and visitors. We want to help to prevent, detect and deter fly tipping and litter in Devon, leading to a reduction in costs, crime, and environmental, social and economic impacts.
As lockdown eases and the warmer months beckon, Clean Devon wants to encourage everyone to take more responsibility for their rubbish whilst enjoying the beautiful moors, beaches, wildlife, countryside, towns and villages.
Littering is an increasing burden on society, both financially and environmentally and the partnership aims to improve the issue through preventing, detecting and deterring this type of behaviour in Devon.
Principal Waste Manager from Devon County Council and Clean Devon Co-ordinator, Annette Dentith, says: “One of our key priorities is to protect and enhance Devon’s wonderful environment. Local authorities do their best to keep bins emptied however with increased visitors over the warmer months we must take responsibility for our own rubbish. If bins are full, bring your own bag and dispose of it when you return home. Please don’t leave it next to an already full bin as this contributes to littering and is considered fly-tipping for which you could be fined. It’s really important we protect our beautiful county, not only for ourselves but for future generations.”
Whilst out enjoying what Devon has to offer, we would urge the public to not leave their litter behind. The spirit of the Countryside Code is generally adhered to by the majority of people, but there are a few worrying trends that are either based on anti-social behaviour or a lack of awareness of the working countryside. Accessing the fresh air and getting close to nature have widely researched health and wellbeing benefits, but visitors need to act responsibly in order to protect our natural environment and its inhabitants. Take home your memories and your litter.
For additional advice and facts, or if you are concerned about litter and flytipping near you, please visit Clean Devon’s website. cleandevon.org
Keep your eyes peeled for the Clean Devon campaign which has been launched on social media. Promotional material will also be distributed to businesses in Devon with the aim to reach visitors and encourage the same respectful behaviour towards our environment.
Devon is beautiful let’s keep it that way. Your rubbish your responsibility. Find a bin or take it home.
