Littering of empty bottles, cans and broken glass
Littering of empty alcohol bottles, cans and broken glass can occur as a result of drunkenness at many sites within Western Australian communities. In particular, large amounts of littering of empty alcohol bottles, cans and broken glass can be associated with specific events such as New Year’s Eve, School Leavers’ celebrations and other events involving large numbers of people.
During the 2002 school leavers’ period, Rottnest experienced considerable glass injuries (59) and a significant glass waste problem (12 tonnes) as a result of drunken behaviour. In order to minimise the high levels of alcohol-related harm occurring on the Island, new activities in 2003 limited hours of opening for licensed outlets and restricted the sale of alcohol in glass containers. As a result of these activities, there was a significant reduction in the number of people who reported glass-related injuries (11) and a minimal amount of glass collected during this period.
What can be done about littering of empty alcohol bottles, cans and broken glass?
Before you take action about the littering of empty alcohol bottles, cans and broken glass in your community make sure you have all the facts. The following checklist of questions can be used to gather evidence. It is a guide only and you must not take the law into your own hands, as you may be the one who ends up in trouble with the authorities.
Littering Checklist:
- Why do you think the littering is alcohol-related?
- What items are being littered? Beer bottles, beer cans, broken glass?
- What time did the littering occur?
- Where does the littering occur? For example on your property, car park, road?
- How often does the littering occur? Or was it a ‘one-off’ incident?
- How many people involved? More than two? A group?
- Is there potential for harm to occur to individuals as a result of the littering?
- For example from broken glass
Once you have gathered your evidence, there are a number of approaches you can take.
Click here to find out what can be done about littering on private property.
Click here to find out what can be done about littering in public areas.