The Litter Free Dorset campaign has been calling for an end to disposable BBQs because: 

• Disposable BBQs are often inappropriately disposed of, sometimes resulting in wildfire, with devastating environmental, social and economic impact
• Disposable BBQs are unsustainable – single use and non-recyclable, so destined for landfill or incineration, while containing charcoal, often from unsustainable sources, contributing to deforestation
• Disposable BBQs pose a considerable safety risk to beach users, often being left under sand or littered, leading to injury

Litter Free Dorset has been campaigning for businesses across Dorset to follow in the footsteps of Aldi and Waitrose and remove disposable BBQs from sale.

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

Alongside this, Litter Free Dorset has also been calling on the public to opt for alternatives to disposable BBQs – such as having a picnic and using reusable BBQs in safe, designated locations only.

Community champion, Jenny Cook at Morrisons Verwood said: “As a store we have chosen to remove disposable BBQs 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 BBQs 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 BBQs from sale.

Sophie Colley, co-ordinator of Litter Free Dorset said: “A huge thank you to all the businesses across Dorset who have chosen to remove disposable BBQs 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.”

Do you want to get involved with the campaign?

If you are a member of the public who has noticed disposable BBQs for sale in your local shops  

• Download and share Litter Free Dorset’s letter to businesses with stores near you to help spread the message to #ChooseToRemoveDisposableBBQs.
• This letter is supported by Dorset Council and the Urban Heaths Partnership.
• Click the link below to download the letter:

https://www.litterfreedorset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Letter-to-supermarkets.pdf

If you a business owner who has chosen to remove disposable BBQs from sale

• Get in touch with the Litter Free Dorset team by email litterfreedorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
• Download and display a ‘We have chosen to remove disposable BBQs from sale’ poster in your store and encourage other local businesses to follow suit
• Click the link below to download the poster:

https://www.litterfreedorset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/A3-shops-poster-REMOVE-BBQ.pdf

For more information about Litter Free Dorset’s 2022 BBQ campaign and to see the full list of stores that have chosen to remove disposable BBQs from sale, head to the Litter Free Dorset website: https://www.litterfreedorset.co.uk/projects-campaigns/disposable-bbqs/

To stay up to date with Litter Free Dorset’s latest project and campaign updates, head to their social media pages:

• Facebook: @LitterFreeDorset
• Instagram: @litterfreedorset
• Twitter: @LitterFreeDrst