Calls for all shops to stop selling disposable BBQs
Retailers are being urged to 'do the right thing'
A Dorset campaign group's stepping up efforts to stop shops selling disposable BBQs, as the hot and dry weather continues.
Litter Free Dorset is calling on retailers to 'do the right thing' and completely remove them from sale.
From 1st May to 31st July this year, 79 heathland fires were attended by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
That's up from 41 fires during the same period in 2021 – an increase of 93%.
Why?
• Disposable BBQs can be disposed of irresponsibly which can result in wildfire, with devastating environmental, social and economic impact.
• Disposable BBQs are single use and non-recyclable, destined for landfill or incineration. They are unsustainable as they contain charcoal which is often from unsustainable sources, contributing to deforestation.
• Disposable BBQs pose a considerable safety risk to beach users, often being left under sand or littered and causing serious injury.
Litter Free Dorset has facilitated conversations with staff at head offices of large retailers leading to some success, with a number of supermarkets removing disposable BBQs.
Dorset Council’s disposable BBQ and campfire policy is already in place to ban disposable BBQs and the lighting of campfires at country parks and land that is at high risk of fire.
It is important to remember that disposable BBQs are not the only thing posing a risk this summer – cigarette butts, campfires, bonfires, and open fires of any kind are equally dangerous and can cause serious harm to our heathlands and open spaces.
This risk only increases with the prolonged hot and dry weather we are experiencing, so it is vital that everyone takes responsibility for this issue.
Are you a business selling disposable BBQs and related items?
• Do the right thing - join our campaign and remove disposable BBQs from sale.
Are you considering having a BBQ this summer?
• Opt for picnics instead but if you do decide to BBQ, please use a reusable BBQ in a safe, designated location only and follow the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service BBQ guidance HERE.
For more information about Litter Free Dorset’s 2022 BBQ campaign and to see the full list of stores that have chosen to remove disposable BBQs from sale, head to the Litter Free Dorset website.