Frequently asked questions

RSPCA inspectors regularly rescue pet and wild animals trapped or hurt by discarded litter, as everyday objects can become hazards to animals. In a survey by the charity Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), 95 per cent of vets had treated an animal with an injury caused by litter. They reported treating an average of 20 animals per surgery in the previous year.  Protecting pets, farm animals and wildlife from harmful rubbish is straightforward – simply dispose of your waste responsibly.

Plastic can holders
Animals can get entangled in discarded plastic can holders, which may cause sores or choking.

Solution: Always cut open the loops on plastic can holders before putting them in the bin.

Fishing tackle
Fishing line can get caught around a bird’s wings, neck and beak. Hooks can cut into skin and muscle.

Solution: Take unwanted fishing line home with you and cut it into small pieces before putting it in the bin. Wrap discarded fishing hooks in newspaper before putting them in a bin.

Plastic bags
Animals may climb inside plastic bags and suffocate, or eat them and choke. Unfortunately, these bags can remain intact after being swallowed, which means that a single bag can cause the death of more than one animal.

Solution: Tie a knot in all plastic bags and dispose of them properly in a bin or at a recycling facility. Re-use your bags instead of throwing them away - each one takes hundreds of years to decompose.

Glass
Glass bottles and jars break easily, leaving sharp pieces that can cause serious injury to animals or even death.

Solution: Thoroughly clean all used bottles and jars, then take them to a bottle bank – they should never be left lying around.

Balloons
Once balloons burst, animals may mistake them for food and can die if they eat them.

Solution: Avoid balloon releases, as the balloons can land anywhere and pose a threat to animals. Cut any used balloons into small pieces before putting them in the bin.

Cans
Small animals such as hedgehogs may get their heads trapped inside cans – a half-open lid can cut.

Solution: Thoroughly clean the can so that animals aren't enticed inside by any food, then completely remove the lid, drop it inside and pinch the top shut. Recycle cans in a can bank – aluminium cans never disintegrate so each one may be a hazard to animals for many years to come.

Containers
Attracted by leftovers, animals will forage inside food containers and can get trapped.

Solution: Remember to completely remove the lid from small containers and, as an extra precaution, cut the container in half. Try to recycle your plastics.

Elastic bands
Elastic bands can get caught around the necks of small animals and the beaks of birds. They can also be swallowed, causing the animal to choke.

Solution: Whenever possible, re-use elastic bands or cut them open before putting them in the bin.

Rubbish rules

Remember that even if you put your rubbish in a bin, it may still end up on an open tip and be a danger to animals.  So make sure you take the precautions above as well.

Please contact your local council to tell them about any area where litter has built up and needs clearing.