Laws right to lay down the law on fast food litter - Greens

The Green Party is applauding Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws for his tough talk on the fast food litter problem, Waste-free Spokesperson Rod Donald says.

Mr Laws has said his council is considering a levy on fast food corporates because it is it is unfair that ratepayers have to pay to clean up their packaging litter.

"Ever since McDonald's, KFC and the other big fast food brands arrived in New Zealand our roadside rubbish problem has grown," Mr Donald says.

"It is standing joke amongst the fast food operators that, as long as it is dropped out off sight of the outlet, they regard their litter as free advertising.

"While ultimately any fast food customers who trash the environment should pay the price for their behaviour, the companies themselves must bear some responsibility because their packaging is both excessive and not reusable.

"Michael Laws is dead right, ratepayers and taxpayers should not have to bear the burden of the litter problem."

Former Green MP Mike Ward developed a Waste Minimisation private members' bill, which incorporates extended producer responsibility (EPR), a program that is common in Europe and North America.

"EPR places a responsibility on the manufacturer for their product throughout its lifecycle, which will encourage them to design products with the environment in mind."

Mr Donald says he has already sent a copy of the Waste Minimisation private members' bill to Mr Laws and looks forward to working with him and other mayors to tackle this mounting problem.

ENDS

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