Disposable packaging is practical, fast and often essential in hospitality. But what offers convenience today often ends up as litter tomorrow, on the street, in the water or in nature. Plastic and EPS (polystyrene foam) in particular cause major problems, because they hardly break down and remain in the environment for years. This has serious consequences for the environment, animals and also for hospitality businesses that face stricter regulations and a less clean street image. How harmful is litter really, and what can you do about it as an entrepreneur?

What exactly is littering and why is it a problem?

Litter is waste that does not end up in a bin or container, but on the street, in parks, along roads or in the water. It includes everything people leave behind on the go or that blows out of bins, from coffee cups and snack trays to plastic bags and cutlery.

Disposable plastic plays a major role in this. These lightweight, low-cost materials are often used outdoors and easily left behind in public spaces. Because plastic hardly breaks down, it remains visible and present for years.

This is harmful to nature, where animals may ingest it or become entangled in it. In addition, litter leads to polluted public spaces, higher cleaning costs and a negative appearance of shopping streets and hospitality areas.

Why are plastic and EPS (polystyrene foam) the biggest culprits?

Plastic and EPS (polystyrene foam) are lightweight, cheap and strong. That is exactly why they are widely used for disposable packaging. But those same properties also make them more harmful when they end up in the environment. They do not truly break down, but fragment into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. These end up in soil and water and eventually even in our food chain.

EPS is also fragile and easily crumbles into small particles that spread quickly. Animals often mistake these particles for food, which can lead to choking or poisoning. Some plastics can also release harmful substances when they remain in nature for a long time.

Think of coffee cups, snack trays, meal containers, plastic cutlery, lids and drinking straws. These are products used in large quantities every day and unfortunately often end up as litter. Because they are so common, their impact is significant.

What are the consequences of litter for animals and nature?

Litter has direct consequences for animals. Birds, fish and other animals sometimes mistake plastic cups, containers or pieces of polystyrene for food. When they ingest it, it can cause blockages, injuries or malnutrition. Animals can also become entangled in packaging materials, which limits their movement or causes injuries.

Natural areas are affected as well. Waste that remains in forests or along roads disrupts soil life and hinders plant growth. In rivers and canals, packaging accumulates along the banks or is carried further by the current, spreading the problem even more.

In the long term, this leads to structural pollution of natural areas. Ecosystems become unbalanced and it takes significant time and money to restore them. What starts with a single discarded cup can ultimately have major consequences for the quality of our living environment.

How does litter affect your hospitality business financially?

Litter is not only an environmental issue, it also directly affects your finances. Think of extra cleaning costs around your business. Terraces, pavements and parking areas need to be cleaned more often, especially if packaging with your logo ends up in the street. This costs time from your team or requires additional cleaning services.

You may also face fines or warnings if waste accumulates around your business. Municipalities are becoming stricter about street cleanliness and waste management. Especially at busy takeaway locations or events, this can add up quickly.

Your reputation also plays a role. A messy environment creates a negative impression. Guests are more likely to choose a place that looks clean and well maintained. The same applies to events, festivals and food truck gatherings increasingly set requirements for waste reduction, because cleaning costs are high and visitors expect sustainability. Businesses that do not adapt may miss out on opportunities or collaborations.

In short, litter costs money, both directly through cleaning and possible fines, and indirectly through image and customer experience. That is why it is worth taking a critical look at the packaging you use and how you manage waste streams.

What can you do as an entrepreneur to reduce litter?

Fortunately, you can have a lot of influence as a hospitality entrepreneur. A logical first step is switching to plastic-free packaging. By choosing more sustainable materials, you reduce the impact of your business on the street and in nature. Think of cups without plastic coating or sturdy snack trays and burger boxes made from renewable materials.

You can also organize your waste streams more effectively. Place clear bins at your takeaway point or terrace and make it easy for guests to separate waste. The easier you make it, the more likely it is that waste will be disposed of properly.

Communication also plays an important role. Actively inform your customers about your sustainable choices, for example with a message on the packaging, your menu board or social media. Explain why you choose alternative materials and what you expect from them. Guests are often willing to cooperate when communication is clear.

Finally, you can use small behavioural incentives. A visible reminder near the exit, a deposit system or a reward for returning packaging can already make a difference. This way, waste prevention becomes something you and your customers do together.

Why are compostable disposables a good idea?

Compostable disposables are designed to reduce the impact of single-use packaging. They are made from renewable resources and intended to break down under controlled conditions after use. This results in less persistent waste and a lower environmental impact compared to traditional plastic or EPS.

In practice, they work just as easily as regular disposables. This is important for hospitality and events, where speed, convenience and hygiene must be maintained. Compostable cups, containers and cutlery are sturdy, suitable for hot and cold foods and fit seamlessly into daily operations. At the same time, they show that you are making conscious choices as a business.

At events, organisers increasingly ask for more sustainable solutions. Compostable disposables fit well within on-site waste separation and help reduce residual waste. This makes them not only better for the environment, but also more attractive in tenders and collaborations.

TakeAware has extensive experience supplying compostable packaging to hospitality and event organisations. As both supplier and producer, we help find the right solution for each situation and ensure reliable deliveries from large stock.

Frequently asked questions about litter and disposables

How long does it take for plastic to break down?
This can take decades to hundreds of years. Plastic does not fully break down, but fragments into smaller pieces. These microplastics remain in soil and water and do not disappear on their own.

Are compostable disposables really better for the environment?
Yes, if they are processed correctly. Compostable products are made from renewable resources and designed to break down under controlled conditions. They reduce long-term waste impact compared to traditional plastic, especially when properly collected.

Can I use bioplastics such as PLA?
Yes, if they are processed correctly. Compostable products are made from renewable resources and designed to break down under controlled conditions. They reduce long-term waste impact compared to traditional plastic, especially when properly collected.

What fines can you receive for litter at events?
This varies by municipality and situation. Organisers can be held responsible for pollution around the event area. Fines or additional cleaning costs can increase significantly, especially if agreements on waste management are not followed.

How to take action in practice with TakeAware

Do you want to tackle litter effectively? Start with concrete steps. This checklist helps you get started right away:

Choose sustainable disposables

Switch to plastic-free or compostable packaging. This reduces your impact and shows what you stand for.

Actively inform your customers

Explain why you choose sustainable alternatives and what you expect from guests. A short message on packaging, your menu board or social media already makes a difference.

Encourage waste separation and recycling

Provide clear bins and make separation easy at your location. The easier it is, the more likely it will be done correctly.

Ask for personal advice

Not sure which solution fits your business or event? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you choose what truly fits your situation.

Autor: Michel de Meer