7 Best Ways To Reduce Littering

Imagine taking a peaceful stroll in the park, enjoying the gentle warmth of the sun and the fresh air. But as you walk, you’re interrupted by a disturbing sight— litter scattered everywhere, from empty chip bags and soda cans to cigarette butts. You pause, realising that something needs to change.

Litter is a major issue in Australia. It is commonly found along roadsides, in parks, forests, and even floating in the oceans, where it greatly affects wildlife, marine life, and ecosystems. 

According to a report by Keep Australia Beautiful, Australia generates a substantial volume of waste, totalling 10 million tonnes annually, of which approximately 100,000 tonnes end up as litter. 

Moreover, Clean Up Australia’s annual litter report indicates that plastic remains the prevalent material found at surveyed cleanup sites, making up 81% of all collected litter in 2023. Furthermore, cigarette butts are revealed to be the most commonly littered plastic item across the country, comprising 16% of all recorded items in the 2020 report. 

Despite having laws and fines for littering, they don’t seem to make much of a difference. While clean-up efforts help, the real solution to protecting our environment lies in each of us. If you want to know more, here are the best ways to stop and reduce littering:

1. Use Reusable Items

In our daily lives, single-use items are all too common. Whether it’s at grocery shops, restaurants, or gas stations, the presence of these disposable items is undeniable. 

However, there are simple yet effective measures we can take to minimise littering. For example, replacing plastic bags and throwaway cups with reusable options such as tote bags and glass water bottles. Additionally, when eating out, bringing your utensils and containers for leftovers can help decrease waste. 

By making these small changes in our daily routines, we can collectively work towards reducing littering problems while embracing sustainable practices. 

2. Dispose of Your Trash in the Right Place

Unfortunately, littering is a common habit that many people tend to do. Individuals discard their trash out of their car windows or in public areas, which often encourages others to do the same, leading to a buildup of trash everywhere. 

To stop and reduce littering, it’s important to take proactive measures. Learn to dispose of your trash in the designated bins or keep garbage bags handy wherever you go. This allows you to collect and dispose of trash properly when you find a suitable bin or wait until you reach home.

3. Shop in Bulk

We’re all familiar with the thrill of grocery shopping, grabbing small items and often finding ourselves back at it again the next day, almost like a routine. However, what many don’t realise is that buying in smaller quantities actually results in more packaging being used compared to purchasing items in bulk. 

Opt for a single large product container instead of multiple smaller ones when shopping. Alternatively, avoid products packaged in oversized containers that don’t match the quantity of the item. This not only helps reduce packaging waste but also encourages sustainable shopping practices. 

Don’t forget to carry your own shopping bags!

4. Compost Food & Greens

If you have a garden or outdoor space available, consider composting your organic waste, such as food scraps and fruit and vegetable peels. This practice not only decreases the volume of waste produced but can also enhance the quality of soil, particularly beneficial for those interested in gardening and growing crops. 

5. Upcycle Creatively

Upcycling can be a creative way to help reduce littering. Rather than discarding old items and adding to landfill waste, why not repurpose them into something new and useful? For instance, you can transform unused furniture into personalised decor or repurpose aluminium cans and bottles as cute planters or candleholders. 

This could be your chance to explore a new hobby or potentially earn extra income by selling your work. 

6. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

Australia’s recycling and waste reduction efforts are currently falling short, as the average recycling rate has remained stagnant at 60%. 

With the amount of waste generated annually, much of which ends up as litter, resulting in the degradation of parks and beautiful oceans, recycling can be a great solution to stop this trend. 

Familiarise yourself with various waste types, segregate accordingly, and collaborate with your local recycling facilities for effective waste management. 

7.  Call a Reliable Rubbish Removal Team 

There are several options for disposing of your rubbish responsibly to prevent and collectively stop littering. However, if you prefer a hassle-free solution, you can rely on a rubbish removal service provider like All Gone Rubbish Removals. Leave the disposal process to us—we’ve got you covered!

We can efficiently handle all your rubbish removal whether you're in Sydney, Central Coast, Gosford or Newcastle. We ensure your rubbish and junk are taken and disposed of at the right place to prevent littering and further environmental harm. We prioritise environmentally friendly methods while following local guidelines and regulations to promote waste reduction and sustainability. 

If you want affordable and reliable same-day rubbish removal, look no further! Contact us at 0480 047 806 or info@allgonerubbishremovals.com.au and save $75 off your first load. We also offer an obligation-free quote with no hidden costs!