Litter deposition on minor rural roads in Ireland

Abstract

Ireland has a vast network of minor rural roads that are immensely important to both tourism and general amenity. However, the litter problem associated with such roads is growing steadily and is attracting adverse comment not only within Ireland but also from abroad. The purpose of this pilot project was to develop a simple methodology to measure litter density, to quantify the litter problem in a randomly selected 100 km2 area in County Wicklow, and to suggest possible remedial actions. The key recommendations focus on the removal of large litter items prior to verge and hedge mowing; a levy on beverage containers, which are the single largest littering item; the periodic removal of litter; community involvement in litter abatement and collection; and the prevention of accidental littering from vehicles and rural refuse collection points.