Readers respond to Leila Taheri’s article blaming littering on corporations and society rather than individuals
Leila Taheri’s article is interesting, and she is right, up to a point (I lead a litter-picking group, but I will always defend litterers. This is why, 3 April). There is certainly far too much single-use rubbish created, and manufacturers should be incentivised to produce less. Since they are motivated to seek the cheapest option (eg disposable versus returnable bottles), it is up to the government to create economic rules that favour “reduce, reuse, recycle”.
It should also review how disposal is funded. Costs are incurred when following the proper disposal route, and these can be considerable. This provides an incentive to fly-tip, and discourages the provision of bins (the owner/operator has to pay).
