Over half of almost 12 million pieces of litter dumped on Northern Ireland streets are made of plastic, according to new estimates.
The research, funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, suggests over 50% of our branded litter problem started life with just four companies.
They are Coca-Cola HBC Ltd, Red Bull GmbH, Mondelez Europe and AG Barr.
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The report also shows how vaping is becoming an increasing issue, accounting for 2% of litter.
While the predicted 1,194,692 cigarette butts scattered throughout communities remain a significant threat to the environment making up 10% of litter.
The litter composition analysis that informed the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful report was carried out between November 1 and February 10 this year.
They surveyed 1,100 50cm transects across all local authorities using a multiplier based on 25,770kms of public road and examined 279 bins.
According to their estimates, there are 11,983,664 items of litter carelessly discarded on our streets, beaches and parks at any one time.
Chris Gourley, KNIB Waste and Pollution Solutions Strategic Lead, said: “Our report highlights that Northern Ireland has a severe litter problem.
“Understanding the composition of litter is a sensible step in putting forward credible solutions.
“It is particularly concerning that most of the litter recorded was single use plastic, but this does help to highlight how crucial it is for Northern Ireland to move towards a circular economy in which the life cycle of products is extended as far as possible, resulting in less waste in circulation.
“Whilst we recognise that legislative change is on the way, including Extended Producer Responsibility beginning from next year, and a Deposit Return Scheme from 2025, more needs to be done to educate, engage and empower.
“We strongly believe that with continued collaboration and contribution from producers, policymakers, politicians and the public, we can deliver change.”
Producers of cigarettes, drinks and food dominate the litter picture in Northern Ireland. The standout items were the packaging of soft drinks, chocolate and chewing gum, with the manufacturers of these products commanding 64% share of all estimated branded litter existing across the country.
Coffee cups, which represent 2% of litter, were also examined with most of the single use items coming from Barista Bar, followed by Frank and Honest, Starbucks, McDonalds and Costa Coffee.
The report’s writers say closing the loop between producers and buyers with deposit return schemes and extended producer responsibility will help bring NI closer to a zero-waste society. They also want an overarching litter strategy and effective bans on items of concern.
Lesley Roberts, Head of Waste Prevention Policy at DAERA said: “DAERA remains committed to tackling the problem of littering and will continue to work with stakeholders to advance our anti-litter agenda.
“DAERA uses a combined approach of legislation, education, awareness and enforcement to tackle littering, and provide funding to support programmes which challenge litter-habits directly as well as changing attitudes and behaviours towards litter.
“In December 2022, the Department successfully implemented new legislation which gave local Councils discretionary powers to increase the maximum fixed penalty notice fine from £80 to £200 for litter and dog fouling offences in their council area.”
A spokesperson for AG Barr said: "We encourage our consumers to act responsibly when disposing of our packaging, however we understand that some people do still drop litter. Packaging should be treated as a resource and recycled. All of our soft drinks packaging is recyclable and displays on pack recycling messaging.
"We recognise that there is more to be done to address littering and we believe the focus should remain on continuing to educate the public on the importance of recycling. We will continue to support this aim in as many ways that we can including our commitment to support successful deposit return schemes in the UK and beyond."
Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Mondelez were also contacted for comment.
Read the full report at www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org/litter-composition-reports.
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