Littering is a widespread issue that affects our environment daily. Keep Britain Tidy estimates that more than two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK each day, leaving streets and natural spaces untidy and uncared for. In response to the growing concern over litter pollution, the UK government, industry leaders, and stakeholders are calling for better data and evidence to inform policy decisions and drive effective solutions. This is where RECOUP, a charity and leading authority in the resources and waste sector, steps in with an 'exciting' new initiative: The Litter Composition & Pathways Project (LCPP).
RECOUP
The Need for Improved Data on Litter
The demand for better data on litter has become crucial for making informed decisions and developing effective environmental policies. Proposed reforms aimed at reducing litter rely heavily on accurate and robust data sets. A comprehensive understanding of litter composition is essential to assess the impact of these reforms and determine the most effective strategies for curbing litter pollution. However, current litter projects often face limitations in data collection methods, leading to a lack of consistency and reliability. Many studies rely on citizen science, which, while valuable, may not always provide the most reliable data.
RECOUP's Litter Composition & Pathways Project
In response to the urgent need for better litter data, RECOUP has launched the Litter Composition & Pathways Project (LCPP). The project's primary goal is to review, challenge, and provide robust evidence regarding the composition of litter. To achieve this, RECOUP aims to develop a standardised, evidence-based methodology for collecting and analysing litter, creating a comprehensive data set. Peer reviewing of the methodology will ensure the reliability and validity of the collected data.
AI Technology in Litter Analysis
Developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology have seen investigations into its use to analyse the composition of litter and binned materials. As part of this project, RECOUP will be exploring the possibilities around AI technology and its potential to be a highly efficient, highly effective option for generating scalable data on litter in the future.
Progress and Next Steps
Although the LCPP is still in its early stages, RECOUP claims it has already made significant strides. A draft methodology for litter collection and sorting has been developed and is ready for testing and peer reviewing. The initial phase of analysing litter through AI technology has also taken place. To further enhance the project's capabilities, RECOUP is in the process of establishing a dedicated "Litter Lab" at their offices, where advanced litter analysis will be conducted.
RECOUP plans to collaborate with local litter picking groups to collect litter for analysis. Once the methodology is finalised and the data is collected, it will be shared with the UK government, devolved administrations, and key stakeholders to inform and advise policy decisions. The evidence-based insights gained from this project aims to aid in the development of targeted interventions to combat litter pollution effectively.
A Vision for the Future
With RECOUP's Litter Composition & Pathways Project underway, RECOUP believes the future looks promising for a more data-driven and effective approach to tackle litter pollution. By establishing a standardised methodology RECOUP claims it is paving the way for informed policy decisions and comprehensive litter management strategies.
RECOUP will be collaborating with local litter picking groups to collect litter for analysis. If you would like to contribute to the development of a cleaner and greener future, please email us enquiry@recoup.org