VOLUNTEERS found everything from disposable vapes to a lawn mower and scooter during a clean-up at a litter hotspot in Musselburgh on Saturday.
The initiative near Haugh Park and the River Esk was as organised by grassroots community group Musselburgh StreetClean.
About nine local residents filled a dozen bin bags with crisp packets, sweet wrappers, disposable vapes, plastic bottles, drinks cans and other discarded items. They also found a lawn mower, a scooter and traffic cones.
The volunteers were equipped with litter pickers, gloves and bin bags provided by East Lothian Council and distributed by local businesses including the Harbour Cafe and Maggie’s Cafe at Queen Margaret University.
Musselburgh StreetClean member Amanda Grimm said: “It was great to meet like-minded neighbours and work together to clean up a patch of local green space.
“But it’s sad that there was so much litter there in the first place.
“The majority of it is plastic and I’m concerned that microplastic particles will be seeping into the soil and the river, as they are toxic to plant life, wildlife and humans.”
Councillor Shona McIntosh, ward member, commented: “I’m really grateful to everyone who takes the time to litter pick voluntarily and help keep East Lothian beautiful.
“Anyone who does this regularly will share my frustration at the vast amount of recyclable drinks containers and, increasingly, disposable vapes which are polluting our public space.
“This is why I support our upcoming Deposit Return Scheme and the proposed ban on disposable vapes.”
The event took place during the month-long nationwide Spring Clean Campaign, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful to tackle Scotland’s litter emergency. Anyone can join the Musselburgh StreetClean group on Facebook.
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