Appeal to tackle cigarette and vape litter in Mayo county town

CASTLEBAR Tidy Towns is appealing to the local business community for support to tackle the scourge of cigarette butts and vapes.

Cigarette butts, and more recently discarded vape products and components, are among the biggest sources of litter on streets and footpaths in the town, accounting for over 40% of the overall litter problem.

Through a new initiative, Castlebar Tidy Towns is encouraging businesses to adopt a strong civic spirit by taking a few minutes each day to clean the area in front of their premises, as these locations are where cigarette butts and vape litter are most commonly found.

Their support will make a significant contribution to the overall appearance of the town.

The adjudication process in the national Tidy Towns competition is underway, but a second adjudication could take place in July and early August and the committee want to be prepared.

A letter has been circulated to business owners appealing for all public houses, restaurants, betting offices, vape shops and similar businesses to play their part in keeping the town clean and attractive.

The simple task of sweeping the footpath and frontage outside their premises takes no more than five minutes but it can make a significant difference to the overall appearance of the town.

The Tidy Towns are particularly asking businesses to remove cigarette butts, which are one of the most noticeable forms off litter on the streets.

Food wrappers, receipts and other small items should also be removed on a regular basis, placed into waste bins and not roadside gullies where they can block drains and contribute to environment pollution.