Litter has been found on almost every main road in Wales, new data reveals, prompting calls for drivers to “take responsibility” and dispose of waste properly.

Surveys carried out by Keep Wales Tidy between April and December 2025 found litter on 98.8 per cent of A and B roads, with smoking-related litter - mainly cigarette butts - present on 88.1 per cent of routes. Sweet wrappers, drinks containers, and fast-food packaging were among the most common types of litter, highlighting the environmental impact of “on-the-go” eating.

Confectionery packaging was spotted on 80.7 per cent of main roads, drinks litter on 72.1 per cent, and fast-food items on 67 per cent, the charity said.

The Welsh Government has funded a new social media campaign urging motorists to “drive your litter home” and raise awareness of the harm roadside waste can cause. Litter not only pollutes waterways and harms wildlife but also presents dangers to other road users and costs councils in clean-up operations.

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said: “Loving Wales is basically in my job description, but even I feel embarrassed by the state of our roadsides. There is simply no excuse for throwing litter from a vehicle. It is lazy, unnecessary, and completely avoidable.”

“Roadside litter is not a new problem, but this latest data shows just how widespread it has become. Every motorist needs to take responsibility. Litter in your vehicle belongs to you. Drive it home and dispose of it properly.”

The charity is encouraging drivers to think before they discard items while travelling and to consider the long-term impact on the environment and communities.

For more information about Keep Wales Tidy’s roadside litter campaign and advice on how to dispose of litter responsibly, please visit: www.keepwalestidy.cymru