A new public awareness campaign has been launched to tackle fast food and vape litter.

Carmarthenshire County Council has started the initiative to highlight the importance of responsible waste disposal and the impact of littering on the community.

The council said littering has a significant impact on Carmarthenshire’s parks, streets, and natural landscapes every year.

Fast food wrappers, drink containers, vape cartridges, and packaging not only pollute but also incur significant costs.

The council has reminded residents that all littering offences are subject to a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £125, reduced to £95 if paid within 10 days.

Unpaid fines could lead to court proceedings with potential penalties of up to £2,500.

The campaign specifically addresses the rise in littering related to fast food and vaping products.

Disposable vape cartridges and fast food packaging can linger in the environment, causing harm to wildlife and creating an unsightly mess.

The impact of fast food and vape litter is evident on the roadsides.

A recent clean up along the Link Road in Llanelli, between Halfway Lights and McDonald's Roundabout, resulted in five full bags of litter, with another two collected in a short section at Cross Hands.

Among the items were significant amounts of aluminium and fast food packaging, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

Edward Thomas, cabinet member for transport, waste and infrastructure services, said: "This campaign is about more than avoiding fines; it's about fostering pride in our shared spaces and protecting our local environment.

"By taking simple steps to dispose of waste properly, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener Carmarthenshire.

"We invite everyone in Carmarthenshire to join this effort.

"Let’s keep our parks, streets, and public spaces clean.

"Avoid a £125 fine – bin it, don’t risk it."

As part of the campaign, the council has produced a short video showcasing everyday moments where residents make the choice to dispose of waste responsibly.

The video, filmed across locations in Carmarthenshire, reminds viewers that the choice to use a bin can make all the difference.

Residents are encouraged to watch the video and share it to spread awareness.