Reopened fast food chains agree to tackle litter

The McDonald’s and KFC franchises in Caerphilly town have both agreed to increase their efforts in tackling litter from their restaurants.

Both restaurants reopened at the beginning of June as residents complained of an increase in litter from the two establishments.

KFC has agreed to a promotion campaign encouraging customers to dispose of their litter responsibly, while McDonald’s has agreed to increase its litter pickers by threefold.

The decision follows a meeting with Cllr Shayne Cook, who represents the Morgan Jones Ward.

Cllr Cook told Caerphilly Observer that since KFC and McDonald’s closed, he had noticed a considerable drop in the amount of litter.

He said: “Both stores need to look at alternative ways to help stop this littering however we all must contribute in looking after our environment by simply putting our rubbish in a bin.”

A number of people took to social media to complain about an increase in litter following the reopening of the fast food chains.

There are also concerns that littering has increasing following the partial lift in lockdown restrictions, allowing people from two households to meet in a public space again.

Following the change in restrictions, announced on Friday, May 29, litter bins were pictured overflowing and hedge rows strewn with plastic bottles, paper cups and bags.

Cllr Lisa Phipps, cabinet member for communities, said: “If a bin is full, please carry your waste to the next bin or you could even take it home with you.

“I have emailed the council asking for the bins to be emptied as soon as is practically possible.”

Two petitions to the Senedd have been launched, one calling for legislation requiring fast food takeaways to print vehicle registrations on packaging, and another calling for harsher penalties for fly-tipping.

All petitions that collect over 50 signatures are assessed by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee, while petitions that gather over 5,000 signatures are considered for debate in the Senedd chamber.