Litter Control

The Litter Pollution Act, 1997 introduced penalties in Ireland to help combat the problems of litter pollution more effectively. The definition of 'litter' under this legislation is quite wide and extends from casual pieces of paper or cigarette ends to anything large or small that is, or is likely to become, unsightly.

Longford County Council is responsible for implementing this act and keeping public places clear of litter as far as is practicably possible.

Longford County Council Responsible Cigarette Butt Disposal Campaign

Cigarette butts are a prevalent form of litter, posing significant environmental and health risks. Longford County Council urge residents to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly in designated ashtrays and bins.

Environmental Impact

Cigarette butts contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, arsenic, and lead, which can leach into soil and water, causing pollution. These chemicals are toxic to wildlife and can contaminate water sources, affecting both aquatic life and human health. Additionally, cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that can take up to 10 years to decompose, contributing to plastic pollution.

Health Risks

Improperly discarded cigarette butts pose health risks. Children and pets may accidentally ingest them, leading to nicotine poisoning. Moreover, cigarette butts can cause fires if not extinguished properly, posing a danger to public safety.

Responsible Disposal

To combat these issues, please follow these guidelines:

1. Use Ashtrays and Bins: Always use designated ashtrays or bins to dispose of cigarette butts.

2. Portable Ashtrays: Carry a portable ashtray when on the go.

3. Extinguish Properly: Ensure your cigarette is fully extinguished before disposal

4. Educate Others: Spread awareness about proper disposal

By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a cleaner, safer environment. Let’s work together to reduce litter and protect our community from the harmful effects of cigarette butts. Every small action counts!

Responsible Disposal of Used E-Cigarettes/Vapes

What are they?
Vapes and e-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking with fewer toxins. They consist of an atomizer, a battery, and a cartridge or tank. Users inhale vapor instead of smoke. These devices can be single-use or rechargeable.

Why recycle your vapes and e-cigarettes?
Recycling items with plugs or batteries reduces landfill waste and conserves natural resources like plastics, glass, and metals. Vapes contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Recycling helps recover these valuable resources and supports a circular economy. Never place vapes in general waste bins; they should be recycled.

How to recycle vapes and e-cigarettes?
Remove the battery if possible and recycle it separately. If the battery cannot be removed, recycle the entire device. Ensure the liquid tank is removed before placing it in a battery collection box.

Where can I recycle vapes and e-cigarettes?

Return them to the store where you bought them; retailers must accept them on a one-for-one basis.
Bring them to a WEEE drop-off recycling point or Civic Amenity Site.
Use battery collection networks facilitated by WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform (ERP).
Battery boxes are available in most newsagents, supermarkets, electrical retailers, and Designated Recycling Centres/Civic Amenity Sites.

Longford County Council Anti-Dumping Campaign

Illegal dumping, or fly-tipping, is a significant issue impacting communities, the environment, and public health. Longford County Council are dedicated to addressing this problem and urge residents to dispose of waste responsibly.

Environmental Impact
Illegal dumping can severely damage the environment, leading to soil and water contamination that harms wildlife and ecosystems. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals and electronics, can leach toxins into the ground and water sources, posing long-term risks. Additionally, dumped waste can block waterways, causing flooding and other hazards.

Public Health Concerns
Illegal dumping poses health risks by attracting pests like rats and insects, which can spread diseases. Hazardous materials can directly harm humans, especially children who might come into contact with them.

Economic Costs
The economic impact of illegal dumping is substantial as significant resources are unnecessarily spent on clean-up efforts, which could be used for community services and infrastructure.

Responsible Waste Disposal
To combat illegal dumping, please follow these guidelines:

1. Use Designated Facilities: Always use designated waste disposal facilities, such as recycling centres and landfill sites. Longford waste disposal and recycling facilities are here for your information.

2. Report Illegal Dumping: Report any illegal dumping to Longford County Council.

3. Educate and Engage: Educate your peers and community about proper waste disposal and participate in local clean-up initiatives.

4. Proper Waste Segregation: Separate waste into recyclables, compostables, and general waste.

By following these guidelines, we can keep our communities clean and safe. Let’s work together to eliminate illegal dumping and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone.

The provision of CCTV in public areas around County Longford will be intended to prevent illegal dumping and enforcing the Litter Pollution Act. Senior Executive Officer in Environment, Sylvia Kilcline, spoke to Shannonside recently about the CCTV consultation and outlined that while the deadline has passed, the public can raise matters or concerns about illegal dumping at any time with the Council.

Litter Management Plan

Longford County Council is currently in the process of preparing a litter management plan. This plan sets out the Council's objectives to prevent and control litter, as well as measures to encourage public awareness of litter. The plan also sets out the measures and arrangements to achieve its objectives.

In preparing a litter management plan, a draft of the plan will go before the Council's Strategic Policy Committee and, if approved, the consultation process will begin with local community and voluntary interest groups before going before Longford County Council elected members for adoption. Thereafter, the Litter Management Plan will be available on Longfordcoco.ie.

Litter reporting

Report litter by filling out our Environmental Complaint Form or by calling Longford County Council Litter Hotline on 1800 434 450.

Fines for littering

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can be subject to an on-the-spot fine of €150 or a maximum fine of €3,000 if you are convicted of a litter offence in the District Court. If you are convicted of a litter offence, you may also be required by the court to pay the local authority's costs and expenses investigating the offence and incurred in bringing the prosecution.

Litter and public places

If you either own or are responsible for a place to which the public has access (for example, places like a school grounds, public park, transport stations or the precincts of a shopping centre), you are obliged by law to keep the place litter-free, regardless of how the litter got there.

Litter and private property

The owner or occupier of property that can be seen from a public place, is also obliged to keep the property free of litter. This means that any outdoor area on your property visible from a public place must be kept free of litter. Failure to keep your property free of litter can result in a fine or prosecution by your local authority.

Litter blackspots

Where litter has accumulated on property for any reason and this litter is visible from a public place, the local authority can issue a notice to the owner or occupier requiring the prompt removal of the litter. Such a notice can also set down precautionary measures to be put in place to prevent a reoccurrence. If a property owner or occupier fails or refuses to do everything that has been requested, the local authority has the power to do whatever is necessary itself and require the owner or occupier to pay all of the costs involved.

Litter control at major events

The promoters or organizers of major events (i.e. social and sporting events) are required to ensure that they have litter control measures in place at the venue and in the surrounding vicinity before, during and after the event.

Temporary Signage

To erect temporary signage, fill out the Temporary Signage Form. When complete, email to environment@longfordcoco.ie.

Illegal dumping

The litter laws have increased the powers of your local authority to combat the problem of illegal dumping of refuse and rubbish. If you see someone dumping illegally, you should report the matter to your local authority who will investigate and take any necessary enforcement action.

Information that you give can be treated confidentially although you are encouraged to give your contact details as authorities may wish to follow-up with you in relation to the investigation of illegal dumping.

If your local authority finds material that is illegally dumped and establishes the identity of the owner of the material, that person will have a case to answer without necessarily having to be caught in the act. In addition, extra powers are also available to your local authority to require a householder or business operator to indicate how and where they are disposing of their waste. This is particularly relevant if the householder or business owner is not availing of a refuse collection service or is not bringing their waste to an authorized disposal facility.

Dog Fouling

Dog owners must remove their pets waste from public places and dispose of it in a proper manner. Failure to do so is an offence.

Presenting Your Refuse for Collection

It is your responsibility to store and present your refuse for collection in a sealed container. You should put out refuse for collection on the morning of the collection and not on the day or night before. The longer it is left out for collection, the more likely it is to attract the unwanted attention of dogs, cats, birds or rodents. It is an offence to dispose of your household refuse in street litter bins. If you do so, you will face prosecution by your local authority.