A pilot project that used drone data and innovations such as glow in the dark bins has managed to reduce litter by 75%.
The trial, conducted across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole by Hubbub, used?drone technology and AI to create detailed litter maps and identify hot spots.
This data was then used to implement 'positive litter-busting interventions' such as?glow in the dark and voting bins.
The results of the trial show a reduction in litter of 79% on the east side of Bournemouth Pier where multiple interventions were placed, compared to the west side which had zero reduction.
The glow in the dark bins reduced the number of glass bottles and aluminium cans littered by 88%, while the ballot bins showed an average reduction of 73% of cigarette butt litter. All other council bins across Bournemouth and Poole showed no decrease in litter.
The data also showed there was a 10% increase in litter where negative and accusatory messaging was used.
Trewin Restorick CEO and co-founder of Hubbub. said: 'We’re blown away by the results of this project. This is game changing for the way brands, the food and hospitality industry and local authorities across the country tackle litter. The results are conclusive – the key to reducing litter is to get the localised data and use positive and playful messaging.
'Traditional methods don’t work. Negative messaging doesn’t work. In fact, the results suggest this can even increase littering.'
