Litter Free Dorset urges retailers to ditch single-use barbecues
With another hot, dry summer upon us, Litter Free Dorset is again calling on retailers to take meaningful action for the environment by permanently removing single-use barbecues from their shelves and encouraging customers to enjoy waste-free picnics instead.
Dorset Council recently issued Extended Public Spaces Protection Orders which prohibit the lighting of fires – including barbecues – on areas of open land across large parts of Dorset. In light of this, Litter Free Dorset and Dorset Council have issued a joint letter to major retailers urging them to stop selling single-use barbecues, which pose a serious threat to public safety and the natural environment.
Wildfire incidents are increasing due to hotter temperatures, stronger winds, and more extreme weather events, and single-use barbecues have already resulted in some fires across Dorset with devastating environmental, social, and economic impact. From January to July this year, Dorset Heaths has already recorded 55 incidents of fire, affecting 27 heaths and burning an area of over 65 hectares. This represents a 41% increase in fire incidents compared to 2024 and as a result, we need to take steps to remove some of the root causes of wildfire.
Sophie Clegg, Dorset Heaths Monitoring Warden said: “In comparison to last year, there have not only been more heath fires attended by the fire service, but the impact of fire has been more widespread, with nearly twice as many heaths affected by fire. The conditions this year have also caused many of the fires to become much bigger, resulting in nearly eight times more heathland habitat burned in comparison to this time last year.”
In addition to the inherent fire risk, single-use barbecues:
• Are almost impossible to recycle, adding to waste in landfill or incineration.
• Contain charcoal, often from unsustainable sources, contributing to deforestation.
• Pose a safety risk to beach visitors if littered or left under the sand, causing injury.
We are pleased to acknowledge the example of those national and local retailers who have already taken decisive action to protect the environment by removing single-use barbecues from sale, including:
Waitrose, M&S, Southern Co-op, Lidl GB, Aldi, Poundbury Gardens, Birchwood Tourist Park, Budgens Swanage, Herston Yards Farm, Haskins, Goulds, Burnbake Campsite, Winfrith Village Stores, and more.
In response to our letter, a Lidl GB Spokesperson said: “At Lidl GB, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously and are committed to supporting efforts to protect the country’s natural landscapes. We can confirm that we do not sell disposable barbecues and have not done so for several years.”
These retailers have demonstrated their commitment to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment by removing single-use barbecues from sale. However, others continue to stock these harmful products, so we strongly urge remaining retailers to play their part and prioritise the health of our communities and countryside.
Emma Teasdale at Litter Free Dorset said: “Single-use barbecues pose a grave danger to Dorset’s natural environment and wildlife. They are impossible to recycle, incredibly wasteful, and often abandoned while still hot, leading to fires and injuries. We’re asking retailers to lead by example, and customers to choose a picnic instead—it’s safer, cleaner, and better for the planet.”
Consumers can take their own action by choosing reusable alternatives and urging their local shops to stop selling single-use barbecues.
For more information about Litter Free Dorset’s campaigns and projects, or to download your own campaign posters, visit www.litterfreedorset.co.uk.
