IN THE run up to the summer season, Litter Free Dorset has been campaigning for businesses across Dorset to follow in the footsteps of Aldi and Waitrose and remove disposable barbecues from sale.

The campaign group has also been calling on the public to opt for alternatives to disposable barbeques, such as having a picnic and using a reusable barbeques in safe, designated locations only.

It says disposable barbecues can have a devastating impact for wildlife when "inappopriately" disposed of, are unsustainable and can pose a risk to beach users when left under sand or littered. 

Litter Free Dorset has had meetings with head office contacts of large supermarket stores and has had success with a selection of Tesco Extra and Express stores, a Morrisons store and an ASDA located near Dorset’s heathlands choosing to remove disposable barbeques from sale. As well as Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown and Richardson’s Budgens in Swanage.

Community champion, Jenny Cook at Morrisons Verwood, said: “As a store we have chosen to remove disposable barbeques from sale simply because of the area we’re in. Many of us work and live here so we really are concerned about the effect of disposable barbeques on the local environment.”

Marc Etheridge, assistant general manager at Haskins Ferndown, said: “We believe in offering quality products and are extremely proud of our horticultural heritage, so are constantly looking for new ways that we can trade responsibly to preserve the environment.

"By refusing to stock disposable barbecues, which contribute to landfill, deforestation, and forest and heath fires, we hope to promote sustainable attitudes amongst our customers and employees.”

Independent stores, such as Ringwood Road Stores and Studland Stores, have also chosen to remove disposable barbeques from sale.

Sophie Colley, coordinator of Litter Free Dorset, said: “A huge thank you to all the businesses across Dorset who have chosen to remove disposable barbecues from sale.

"Your actions will really help reduce the likelihood of another large-scale wildfire, while encouraging Dorset residents and visitors alike to opt for more sustainable options."

For more information contact the Litter Free Dorset team by email at: litterfreedorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk