WEST Australians have been urged dob in litterbugs and become a Keep Australia Beautiful litter reporter.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson led the push today, saying he was particularly keen to stamp out the behaviour of smoking drivers who flicked cigarette butts out of car windows.
According to the latest National Litter Index Report, discarded butts are the most littered item in the State – making up almost a third of the total litter stream.
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READ NOW“As well as being a significant litter problem, we know that discarded cigarettes start fires,” Mr Dawson said
“Let’s make a stand on this irresponsible and anti-social behaviour. If you see someone throwing a cigarette butt out of their car – report it. Become a KAB litter reporter today.”
In the last four years in WA, more than 2000 fires in roadside mulch were started by discarded cigarette butts.
Under the Litter Act 1979, anyone incorrectly disposing of a cigarette butt can be fined $200.
Flicking cigarettes from a vehicle and stubbing out and leaving butts in public areas such as footpaths, roads and gutters can all incur a fine – ff it can be proved that the butt was still lit when dropped, it can lead to a $500 fine.
There are more than 12,000 registered litter reporters in WA with more than 2000 infringement notices issued in 2017.
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