Littering is defined as the act of leaving waste or garbage in public areas or places not intended for disposal. This behavior constitutes both an environmental and civic problem, negatively affecting the environment, wildlife and public health.
In this article we are going to tell you the main causes and consequences of littering, as well as its main actions and solutions.
Littering in Spain
In Spain, the fines associated with the abandonment of waste differ depending on the regulations established by each autonomous community and municipality. Below are some general provisions on financial penalties in Spain:
Law 7/2022, enacted on April 8, on Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy, serves as a regulatory framework that requires companies to comply with waste management regulations. If a company is found to be in violation of these stipulations and If it is proven that you have committed “abandonment” or have disposed of waste in an unauthorized place, you may incur financial penalties.
It is essential to recognize that financial penalties may vary between companies and individuals. Due to the commercial nature of their operations and their greater potential to impact the environment, companies may incur more substantial fines.
For detailed information on the financial penalties associated with littering in companies in a specific region of Spain, it is advisable to review local regulations and contact the relevant authorities, such as the local council or relevant environmental agency.
Organizations need to comply with waste management laws and regulations, thereby promoting environmental stewardship and implementing sustainable practices to mitigate littering and harmful environmental behaviors, ultimately contributing to a clean and healthy ecosystem.
If you run a business, It is necessary to comply with the Environmental Responsibility Law and hire a professional authorized in waste management. to help you ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Penalties for littering
Failure to comply with these measures, in the absence of an authorized manager, can lead to serious consequences, including fines ranging from €1.000 to €1.700.000. It is important to examine the different levels of sanctions associated with inadequate waste management and the circumstances that may trigger them.
Every business faces the possibility of incurring penalties. However, minor violations are often common, and often stem from issues such as late filing or breaches of the law that do not constitute serious violations. In these cases, Fines usually start at 900 euros.
Serious penalties for inadequate waste management practices
In these cases, the sanctions They are set between 901 euros and 45.000 euros for activities that include the transfer or sale of waste to individuals., as well as uncontrolled disposal and abandonment of waste, lack of adequate labelling or failure to communicate the necessary information to the authorities.
In cases of hazardous waste, penalties can be significantly more severe. These fines can vary between 9.000 euros and 300.000 euros, giving rise, in a similar way to the case mentioned above, to the suspension of the authorisation for a period of one year.
Very serious penalties for inadequate waste management practices
The most severe sanctions are undoubtedly those that show zero tolerance towards companies that manage waste poorly. In these cases, fines can vary significantly, from 300.000 euros to 1.750.000 euros, and may also include the closure of the facilities along with the corresponding disqualification.
Severe penalties are usually associated with the uncontrolled disposal and abandonment of hazardous waste, which may, in certain cases, involve the sale of said waste. However, it is important to note that these penalties are not exclusively linked to hazardous waste, but that any material that poses a threat to public health or the environment may give rise to corresponding penalties.
Implications of waste disposal
Maintaining contact with natural environments is essential to recognize their importance and act against this silent pollution. Throwing garbage into nature is known as littering. This term is more widespread and defines the situation very well.
These are some of the consequences of littering:
- The modification of ecosystems that occurs in various waysFor example, waste materials such as rope can be ingested by or harm animals, resulting in both internal and external physical injuries. In addition, litter serves as a conduit for pathogens, facilitating the transfer of invasive species between different environments. A wide variety of waste accumulates in nature, including everyday items such as cotton buds, wipes, plastic containers, cans, and cigarette butts.
- The release of chemicals. The plastics we use every day often contain additives such as plasticisers for better handling and flame retardants. A study carried out by the LIBERA Project, which has studied water from 150 points in Spain, has revealed that of the 49.000 data points collected and of all the species evaluated, “only four are free of contamination”, according to the project manager. Among the contaminants detected are substances such as caffeine, nicotine, drugs and flame retardants. In the soil, researchers have identified a series of contaminants, from hydrocarbons associated with vehicles to varnishes, lacquers and pesticides. “We have also discovered contaminants that were banned in the 50s, 60s or 70s. Among them, DDT, a pesticide, and polychlorinated vinyl compounds, which were previously used in electrical materials”, says Sara Güemes.
- Effects on human health. According to LIBERA data, between four and twelve million tons of plastic are released into natural ecosystems worldwide every year. Of this total, it is estimated that 51.000 billion tons may be composed of microplastics.
As you can see, these are the consequences of poor waste management resulting from poor awareness of environmental protection. I hope that with this information you can learn more about littering in Spain and its consequences.