Acting to stop the litter

The Littering Regulations came into force last Sunday. The previous two-month trial period was a useful exercise to fine-tune the workings of the regulations.

The regulations are not about penalties but about getting rid of persistent bad habits that continue to spoil the environment. As the statistics compiled during the trial period show, the warnings issued were all related to inconsiderate behaviour.

During the trial period, 1,364 warnings - including 78 offences connected to the dumping of vehicles and bulk refuse - were issued across the Maltese islands. That's almost 20 warnings a day. The offences varied from the disposal of refuse next to bring-in sites to the feeding of animals in public.

The trial period is now over. The Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment will continue to raise awareness on the respect each citizen should show towards the environment and the importance of preserving it for our well-being and that of our future generations. The ministry will also continue to pass on the message of its anti-littering campaign: Littering and dumping hurts our pocket and our pride and the government is solidly determined to make litter bugs pay.

The fines, ranging from Lm25 to Lm50 for littering and from Lm1,000 to Lm2,500 for dumping, are hefty. Naturally, repeated offences will be penalised more. So, too, are offences made within sensitive zones.

People must realise that refuse dumped next to bring-in sites is a punishable offence. Littering by throwing away napkins, snack wrappers or even cigarette butts is unsightly and an abuse of the environment. Dust from uncovered lorries or, indeed, any other building material is a nuisance and, as such, the government is working on a solution to the problem. Refuse which is irresponsibly disposed of in public places, including recreational areas or next to litter bins, is not only unsightly but may pose a health risk to third parties. These are all punishable offences.

Feeders of strays may be doing a good deed but they may also need to adjust their behaviour. Plastic receptacles or newspapers used as serving plates become litter as soon as the food is consumed. Animal feeders may collect the receptacle and dispose of it adequately after use rather than leaving it to be blown about.

Attention should also be given to the kind of food left for strays: The feeding of animals should not be a convenient way of ridding ourselves of offal or food remains. These animals are in public places and food may smell or attract vermin and other pests.

The time has come for each and every one of us to understand that protecting our common surroundings is in our best interest. Irrespective of how petty the offence is, no one should overlook the fact that this may cause sufficient inconvenience to others.

Such behaviour will no longer go on unchecked. Littering and dumping degrade us as a nation. Every individual is called upon to honour their social responsibility and even exercise their right in advising wrongdoers in favour of a cleaner living environment.

The motivation for each and every one of us to do away with bad habits is now in place. The message is clear: those who litter will be made to pay. On the other hand, people need not worry they may be made to pay fines unnecessarily if they treat the outside environment with the same pride the Maltese are renowned for in looking after their homes.

Mr Ciantar is director of environment policy and initiatives at the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment.