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Litter can be defined as any undesirable debris inappropriately discarded to the natural environment. This includes food and drink wrappers and containers, food scraps, papers, cigarettes, machinery, clothing, glass, etc. Waste becomes litter the moment it is discarded to the natural environment. Waste placed in rubbish bins or recycling bins is not considered to be litter. Litter is a form of environmental pollution.
Litter is undesirable for several reasons:
- It is aesthetically unappealing;
- The accumulation of litter in natural ecosystems can impact on the fauna and flora therein and may take many years to breakdown (see below);
- It does not stay in one location – it can be moved by wind, water and animals;
- Litter often concentrates in streams and rivers and can impact on aquatic biota and the quality and quantity of water.
Litter at within the Resort predominantly consists of aluminum soft drink cans, plastic bottles, chocolate-bar wrappers and other food packaging, lift tickets and cigarette butts. No figures are available for the actual volumes of these. Construction and demolition waste can also be found littering the Resort.
The amount of litter in our environment is a reflection of many factors including:
- A lack of understanding of the environmental consequences of littering;
- Tolerance of irresponsible behavior on the part of individuals;
- Inadequate litter disposal facilities;
- Insufficient recycling infrastructure in public places;
- Inappropriate products or use of materials;
The Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board has developed an education strategy that aims to address the behavioral issues underlying littering, using education and innovative projects to promote a waste wise ethic amongst the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling communities.
