A British man has been fined over £4,000 (over $5,400) for littering used toilet paper, according to the Telegraph & Argus.
Bradford, England, resident Willard Clunis had been tossing feces-covered toilet paper from a building window for months despite official warnings. The waste landed on highways and in gardens, causing clear environmental and health risks.
Waste management requires strong enforcement to protect the environment. At larger scales, sewage becomes a bigger challenge. Raw sewage can contaminate groundwater, be a barrier to fisheries, and be a breeding ground for harmful viruses. That said, with proper processing, sewage can be useful as sludge fertilizer or biochar fuel.
There are many sustainable options for toilet paper, provided you flush it like a normal human being. The Forest Stewardship Council is trying to certify more sustainable sources for toilet paper pulp, for example. Bamboo is a high-quality contender. Some brave souls are willing to cut reusable towels dedicated to the cause. Bidets are also a great addition to any washroom looking to reduce usage. Whatever way you go, it's worth remembering that "flushable" wipes aren't an option and cause harm once added to sewage systems.
The city of Bradford has otherwise stepped up enforcement of littering. It has installed new CCTV cameras to catch instances of littering and illegal dumping from cars, with fines set at £400 ($541). Untreated general waste can leach harmful chemicals into the nearby soil. Plastics, in particular, can be obstacles for wildlife and shed microplastics, which eventually find their way back into human food systems. Once ingested, they pose threats to endocrine, immune, and reproductive health.
Clunis was also hit with a "Criminal Behaviour Order," which carries the threat of further prosecution if he engages in similar behavior in the next five years.
"The outcome of this case underlines our commitment to tackling environmental crime and protecting local communities from unacceptable and anti-social behaviour," said Bradford Councilor Sarah Ferriby. "We will continue to pursue enforcement action against those who refuse to comply with the law and show disregard for their neighbours and the environment."
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