Litterbug Britain: More than 90% of UK streets include garbage and it is getting worse, damning survey signifies
More than 90 per cent of the country’s streets are defaced with litter and the public believes the problem is getting worse, a study has found.
A national survey of 1,140 miles of urban and rural sites in England found that more than nine out of ten contained litter.
Meanwhile a poll of the British public found that three quarters believe the nation’s litter problem has worsened in recent years, with seven in ten now noticing litter in their local area daily.
More than half of the 1,737 people surveyed – 52 per cent – said they felt that littering has become normal behaviour.
The survey found that litter not only looks unsightly but also may have negative psychological effects – and harm the country’s economy.
When shown an image of a heavily littered street, two thirds of survey respondents (66 per cent) said that they wouldn’t feel safe walking there at night, 86 per cent said they would feel embarrassed to live there and almost one in seven (67 per cent) felt that living in such an area would negatively affect their mental health.
Furthermore, almost nine in ten (87 per cent) said they would be discouraged from buying or renting in such a littered area and more than three quarters (78 per cent) believed the high levels of litter would deter business investment.
The report revealed overwhelming public support for prevention measures to tackle the problem, including anti-littering campaigns.
![More than 90 per cent of the country's streets are defaced with litter, a survey has revealed. Pictured: Overflowing bins in James Turner Street in Winson Green, Birmingham](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94618169-14335863-image-a-52_1738108190770.jpg)
More than 90 per cent of the country’s streets are defaced with litter, a survey has revealed. Pictured: Overflowing bins in James Turner Street in Winson Green, Birmingham
![A national survey of 1,140 miles of urban and rural sites in England found that more than nine out of ten contained litter (file pic)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94618167-14335863-image-a-53_1738108193136.jpg)
A national survey of 1,140 miles of urban and rural sites in England found that more than nine out of ten contained litter (file pic)
![More than half of the 1,737 people surveyed - 52 per cent - said they felt that littering has become normal behaviour. Pictured: Cherry Street in the Walton area of Liverpool](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94618165-14335863-image-a-54_1738108195447.jpg)
More than half of the 1,737 people surveyed – 52 per cent – said they felt that littering has become normal behaviour. Pictured: Cherry Street in the Walton area of Liverpool
A lack of pride in maintaining local community spaces was seen as a contributing factor to an increasing litter problem by six in ten people (62 per cent).
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive at charity Keep Britain Tidy, said: ‘Our report is a wake-up call.
‘It shows that litter is more than an eyesore – it prevents investment, creates inequality, damages the environment and makes people feel depressed and unsafe.
‘It’s unacceptable that the most deprived communities are bearing the brunt of the country’s litter problem.
‘We believe that everyone, wherever they live, should be able to take pride in their environment – but we cannot achieve this alone.’
‘If we are to make significant strides towards creating litter-free spaces for everyone, we need to set a new course and take coordinated action.
‘Our research shows strong support for preventative measures to tackle this issue, demonstrating the public desire to ‘turn off the tap’ of litter, rather than ‘mop up the problem’.
‘However, this requires a plan and cooperation at every level. We need a national strategy with robust targets and monitoring, clear focus and adequate resourcing.
![Rubbish piled up on a housing estate in Sheffield, South Yorkshire](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94618283-14335863-image-m-56_1738108415307.jpg)
Rubbish piled up on a housing estate in Sheffield, South Yorkshire
![The report revealed overwhelming public support for prevention measures to tackle the problem, including anti-littering campaigns. Pictured: Rubbish in a back alley in Fallowfield](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94618327-14335863-image-a-57_1738108499100.jpg)
The report revealed overwhelming public support for prevention measures to tackle the problem, including anti-littering campaigns. Pictured: Rubbish in a back alley in Fallowfield
![When shown an image of a street filled with rubbish, 86 per cent said they would feel embarrassed to live there. Pictured: Fly-tipping in an alley in Levenshulme, Manchester](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94618345-14335863-image-a-58_1738108568978.jpg)
When shown an image of a street filled with rubbish, 86 per cent said they would feel embarrassed to live there. Pictured: Fly-tipping in an alley in Levenshulme, Manchester
‘We’re calling on the government, industry and individuals to work together with us to create a future where litter-free spaces are the norm, rather than the exception.’
Analysis of the litter found in the survey found that sweets and chocolate wrappers were found in more than half (52 per cent) of surveyed sites, followed by drinks bottles and cans, which were present in almost a third of all locations (31 per cent).
Fast food-related litter was present in 22 per cent of areas, and crisps and snack packets in 16 per cent.
Respondents said that drinks related litter was seen as the most problematic form of litter.
Keep Britain Tidy said it hopes that the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme, due to be brought in by 2027, will help to tackle this issue.
Mrs Ogden-Newton added ‘With government estimates suggesting the DRS could cut littered drinks containers by 85 per cent, this initiative has the potential to deliver profound benefits where they are most needed.’