Litterers beware, 5,000 reporters are watching

Keep Australia Beautiful's litter report program has hit a record high with 5,000 registered reporters.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said community support for the program had rapidly grown in the last five years, increasing the likelihood of litter bugs being caught.

"The rate at which the scheme has grown is impressive and is evidence there is a growing number of West Australians who are fed up with seeing our State being trashed," Mr Marmion said.

Benjamin Warton of Wembley Downs has signed up as the 5,000th litter reporter. The environmental scientist said he would love to see the day when nobody littered in WA, but until then, the minority who weren't doing the right thing needed to be encouraged to change their ways.

Under the Litter Act 1979 there is a $75 fine for cigarette butt litter and a $200 fine for general litter. The Minister said it was encouraging to see so many people signing up to the program to take a stand against littering.

"Through the enforcement process, people are being educated about the consequences of littering," Mr Marmion said.

The Minister said litter was not only an eyesore but could also have serious impacts on people and the environment.

"According to Fire and Emergency Services Authority figures, between eight and 12 per cent of fires are started by cigarette butts. Plus broken glass can cause serious injuries, so it is important that we each do our bit to keep WA litter free," he said.

Mr Marmion said money from fines went back to the WA community through the community grants and programs that focus on litter education and behaviour change.

To register to become a litter reporter visit http://www.kabc.wa.gov.au or phone

6467 5138 for more information.

Photo caption: Litter reporter Benjamin Warton with Environment Minister Bill Marmion.