18/03/2026
Litter in our streets doesn’t just make our neighbourhoods look bad — it creates real dangers to our health and wellbeing.
🦠 It spreads disease:
Discarded food waste attracts rats and mice, which can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella. Standing water trapped in bottles, cans, and tyres creates breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria which can quickly spread.
🩹 It causes injuries:
Broken glass, sharp metal, and even discarded needles can lead to cuts, infections, and serious accidents — especially for children and pets.
💧 It pollutes our water:
When rainwater runs through litter, it can pick up toxic chemicals that seep into soil and waterways, harming both people and wildlife.
😟 It affects mental health:
Research shows that people feel less safe, more stressed, and less proud of their area when streets are littered. In one study, 66% of people said they wouldn’t feel safe walking down a heavily littered street at night, and 67% said it would harm their mental health.
