The consultation will inform the council’s upcoming Litter Prevention Strategy and Litter Reduction Action Plan, aligning local efforts with the Scottish Government’s National Litter and Fly Tipping Strategy, published in June 2023. The strategy outlines a refreshed approach to tackling litter and fly tipping – with an aim to protect Scotland’s natural environment, create cleaner, safer communities, and move towards a more sustainable circular economy.
Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“We are all responsible for looking after our environment, and this consultation is a vital step in the shaping of a cleaner, greener Dumfries and Galloway. We want to hear from every corner of our region – your ideas, your concerns, your solutions as together, we can build a future where civic pride and environmental care go hand-in-hand.”
Litter and fly tipping remain persistent issues across Scotland. In 2021/22, audits revealed that four out of every five sites inspected across the country had visible litter, with urban areas most affected. Dumfries and Galloway Council currently spends over £1.4 million annually on street cleansing and litter removal, a cost borne by public services.
Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of the committee, added:
“Our Community Assets Teams work hard to keep our towns, coastlines, and open spaces clean, often supported by dedicated volunteers. But we need a collective approach – one where individuals, businesses, and communities are empowered to prevent waste at its source. This strategy is about creating lasting change.”
The council will gather views through online discussions, focus groups, business engagement sessions, and public survey. All feedback will be compiled into a report for the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in September 2025, where councillors will consider the proposed actions for implementation.
The consultation will run from 28 April to 8 June. Residents can access the online questionnaire via the council’s website or pick up a hard copy from Customer Service Centres.
For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit: www.dumgal.gov.uk/consultations