McDonalds to target littering after “significant increase” in their packaging being dumped

McDonald’s has launched a new anti-littering campaign after the company admits that there has been a significant rise in sightings of their packaging strewn across the country.

The fast-food company have said there has been an increase in sightings of their own wrappers and cartons chucked away in parks and streets in the UK.

A spokesperson for the company said that workers already collect 27 tonnes of litter every year across the UK and Ireland.

And now McDonald’s have launched a new campaign called “Get in the Bin”, in an attempt to clamp down on litterers.

The campaign will see them working alongside local councils and businesses to bring “personal responsibility” to any litterbugs.

“Deeply disappointing”

Beth Hart, Vice President Supply Chain and Brant Trust, McDonald’s UK and Ireland said: “For over 35 years our restaurant teams have patrolled the towns and cities in which we operate collecting left behind litter. 

“Our employees walk over 5,000 miles every week picking up all waste – our packaging and that of other retailers – by the sides of roads, in parks and on paths. It is deeply disappointing that so many people act so irresponsibly.

“Over the last few months we have seen how important collective responsibility is and we want the Great British public to help us tackle this dreadful and growing problem. 

“Most of our packaging is recyclable, and whilst our dining areas remain closed, we want to see all customers taking their litter home and recycling or disposing of it responsibly.”

Firmly committed to clamping down on littering

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, said: “Littering spoils our towns and countryside, harms wildlife and is a real risk to human health.

“I am firmly committed to clamping down on littering and we’re already taking bold action to do so.”

And Lesley Jones, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: “We all need to pull together to make our outdoor spaces cleaner and safer.  It is not good enough to expect somebody else to pick up the rubbish that you create. 

“Do the right thing – put your rubbish in a bin or take it home with you.”