Beachgoers lead to ‘huge spike’ in rubbish on West Sussex beaches

Monday, 1 June 2020 12:14

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Rubbish collected from a Sussex beach (picture: N. Chadwick / Creative Commons)

The local authorities covering Worthing and Adur have pleaded with beachgoers to take rubbish home.

The request came as claims emerged that staff who’d normally be clearing household waste are being diverted to tidy Sussex’s shoreline.

It was accompanied by a warning that councils retain powers to fine people who leave litter behind.

According to Worthing and Adur councils, recent good weather has brought “unprecedented” numbers of people to beaches, who have led to a “huge spike” in rubbish left on the coast, along with overflowing waste bins.

Staff said their disposal teams have maintained an uninterrupted service to homes throughout the borough and district, but this may be threatened by visitors to beauty spots.

A particular warning was issued about disposable barbecues, as the local authorities claimed smouldering waste had been dumped in bins, leading to a number of small fires.

Councillor Edward Crouch, who’s responsible for the environment in Worthing, said:

“If you have rubbish and our bins are full, you must take it back home with you.

“It really isn’t difficult to understand.

“A small minority of people don’t seem to care.

“They’re enjoying the natural beauty of our beaches and then simply leaving their rubbish for someone else to deal with.”

The Adur councillor responsible for the environment, Emma Evans, added:

“Abandoned rubbish is picked-at by seagulls and other animals, then spread around.

“Our waste service teams have been performing superbly during lockdown, making sure all residents have a normal collection, but they are being increasingly diverted to deal with this thoughtlessness.”