‘There’s no excuse’ – Used personal protective equipment littered across North East Lincolnshire

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a rise in used personal protective equipment (PPE) being discarded across the borough.

Hair nets, plastic gloves and face masks are being dumped on a daily basis in North East Lincolnshire.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and waste at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is unacceptable and unpleasant to leave your used PPE in the street. It creates an untidy borough and adds more strain on services having to clear this mess up. It’s not fair on our staff to have to deal with such litter.

“We have seen an increase in littering recently as people enjoy the outdoors during lockdown. You must be responsible and put your rubbish in a bin or take it home. If you leave litter on the beach, it can get into sea. It harms our wildlife and environment.”

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, added: “Littering is an antisocial and criminal act and will not be tolerated. Where we have evidence of those responsible for littering, they face a fine of up to £200. Council officers are out in the community and, where offences are witnessed, are empowered to issue fixed penalty notices to offenders. We will pursue people and businesses who discard of used PPE in this way.

“There is absolutely no excuse for littering. There are more than 800 street litter bins situated around the borough which can be used. Alternatively, take your litter home with you.”