PEOPLE who drop rubbish are being labelled as ‘lazy tossers’ by the borough council in an attempt to shame them.

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) is trialling a new campaign which uses the hashtag #DontBeATosser (sic) to target those who drop their rubbish.

Posters have been put up in litter hot spots across the borough, asking: Hey you, why are you tossing your litter here?

The posters then answer the question, giving reasons such as: You’re lazy; you don’t care about this community; you think other people should pay to clear up after you; and you’re not bothered about harming the environment.

Leader of the council, Councillor Phil North, described the campaign as “a bit passive aggressive” but said it had been effective in other areas.

He added: “Lockdown demonstrated just how much we all value our local parks and green spaces. But despite regular clean-ups, they can sometimes be blighted by those that don’t take their litter home or use the bins provided.

Andover Advertiser:

“So, in response to residents’ requests, we’re trialling this new sign in known litter hotspots.

"A bit passive aggressive, yes, but in other areas it’s proved effective into shaming those that think it’s acceptable to leave litter lying around into using a bin or taking it home.

“Let’s all use our green spaces responsibly – and remember, don’t be a tosser!”.

Dropping litter is an offence under the Environment Protection Act 1990 and offenders can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 with further costs if found guilty in a magistrates’ court.

To report someone dropping litter visit Test Valley Borough Council’s website or call 01264 368000.